Stepping Stones Children's Ministry
Around the World with...

Boxes packed in 2009: 400+

Last year through Operation Christmas Child Follow Your Box program we are able to keep track of where our shoeboxes are headed. We are excited to find out that our boxes are headed to Ghana and Benin both of West Africa. Find out more about these countries and their prayer needs at...

OCC in Benin

OCC in Ghana


We are thinking about shoe boxes all year and how many items you can fill them with! Each year Stepping Stones Children's Ministry provides an opportunity for families to come together (in November) to serve as missionaries by filling a shoe box  for Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan's Purse.

"OCC teaches our children about kids around the world and how important it is to give out of our abundance. There is always someone that has less than we do and that is why we share what we have. Giving a shoe box to a child halfway around the world allows missionaries around the world to share the truth of Jesus as they give the boxes away."

Need an Idea to Get Started?

This is a perfect teaching tool for young children to learn about kids around the world that are excited to get simple items like crayons for Christmas. Now is the perfect time to get started... make this a family project.
  • grab a shoe box and decorate it
  • place it somewhere in the house where everyone can see it
  • talk as a family about why you are packing a shoe box and what kind of items will fit
  • set a budget for your shoe box
  • each time you go to the store with your kids - make it a treasure hunt to find something that fits in a shoe box
  • once you fill one - start another

GIFT IDEAS

TOYS
small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEMS
toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

OTHER
Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

A PERSONAL NOTE
In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)

DO NOT INCLUDE:
Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans