The measurements 30 x 20 x 10cm are ideal for 2 reasons: Firstly, it is ideal when the children receive boxes of similar sizes as it helps the concept of ‘fairness’  and it prevent the children making unfavourable comparisons.  Secondly,  the bigger the boxes, the less fit into the trucks and then the transport costs increase.

It is important to us to give children in need high quality boxes. For us the quality is an expression of respect towards the each child and a recognition of their dignity. Many children say, ‘it all smells new’, which show us that they feel valued.

Also there are legal guidelines, like for example, the import of used shoes in all sizes and used clothing for the age group 0-3 years, as well as used toys, is not permitted in most of the countries receiving the boxes.  Other countries have different import conditions, but logistically we cannot cater for the exceptions as this would require major organisational and logistical challenges.

For these reasons, used articles are removed and replaced when the boxes are checked.

The division of the age groups, 2-4, 5-9 and 10-14 has been proven and tested throughout the world.  If clothes and shoes do not fit, the children exchange them amongst each other or give them to siblings or friends.  If in doubt rather choose a size larger. 

If you follow the instructions, then yes!  Trained volunteers are given the job of checking all the boxes at the collection points and the ‘Christmas workshop’.  Articles that do not confer with the detailed packing instructions will be removed and replaced.  All items removed are donated to other charitable organisations.  If the shoebox is only half full, then it is supplemented with other donated items.  We endeavour to keep the box true to the packer’s intentions, if the instructions were followed correctly.

Experience has shown that the boys 10-14 get the least boxes.   The most boxes are always packed for the 5-9 age groups.  Unless you have a specific preference, we would like to recommend that you pack for older boys.  They love to receive ball and pump, school stationery and books, warm clothes, a cool cuddly toy, chocolate.

The project ‘Christmas in a shoebox’ is more than transporting boxes from A to B.  It is a movement! Thousands of volunteers are trained and mentored to ensure that every box gifts joy and is packed according to customs and import conditions we need to adhere to.  Logistics companies ensure that the boxes are transported safely to their destinations and through our PR work we inform the public about the ripple effect of our work and enthuse our new box packers.  It doesn’t end there:  After the distribution of the boxes, the church congregations can make contact with the children and invite them to learn more about faith in Jesus Christ and can offer new perspectives on life through their broad network of aid.  In other similar organisations a percentage of the donations is used to facilitate this work. For the project ‘Christmas in a shoebox’ this is not possible as we receive donations in the form of articles in the boxes and not money.  For this reason, we invite people to donate 10 Euro per box. This is an investment in the life of a child.

We see this donation as an investment in the life of a child.  In 2018 this investment was 10,71 Euro per child. Most of this (8,07 Euro) was covered by the donations received and the remainder had to be financed by reserve funds and a cash supplement.  In the long term however, this is not possible and so we decided to increase the price of the cash donation per box.

We work hard to keep the costs as low as possible, yet still trying to make this more than a moment of joy for each child.  Many of the costs ( like transport costs for example) are beyond our sphere of influence.  We are planning on not having to increase this amount in the next of years.

The donation of 10 Euro does not only cover the transport of the box from A to B. In fact, the transport makes up 7% of the 10 Euro. For us to complete the project ‘Christmas in a shoebox’ we also need to train and supervise thousands of volunteers.  For this we need materials and trainers that are responsible for the training of our volunteers.  Before the boxes are transported to the children, the boxes are all quality controlled so that every child receives a full, special box and the customs regulations are adhered to.  Through our PR work we inform the public about the ripple effect of our work and enthuse our new box packers.  It doesn’t end there:  After the distribution of the boxes, the church congregations can contact the children and invite them to learn more about faith in Jesus Christ and can offer new perspectives on life through their broad network of aid.  Sometimes there are costs that the countries receiving the boxes cannot cover without our help.

Of course, the donation is your choice. Both the box contents and the cash are donations, so the donor is free to decide what or how much to donate.

Naturally, we are delighted to receive any donation. Obviously the cash donations with a full boxes are really good as the project would not be possible without the cash donations.  The cash donation is like the lid on the box.

Perhaps there are people around you that may like to take part but do not have the time or inclination to pack a box? Perhaps you can work together.  One packs a box and the other makes a cash donation?

Or one could put 1 Euro into a money box every month and collect your cash donation throughout the year.

Yes, we are convinced of this ourselves, including through detailed reporting. We work with reliable partners who have applied for this task as volunteer distribution partners who must take part in appropriate training in advance. These partners (especially Christian communities of different denominations) are transparent and commit themselves to complying with international guidelines according to which the distributions are carried out. Any discrepancies or irregularities will be checked and corrected accordingly. 

We work with reliable partners. These partners (especially municipalities and national aid agencies) are transparent and commit themselves to written and photographic reporting as well as to compliance with international guidelines. In addition, some of our employees travel to distributions every year to personally accompany the parcel distributions.

Your shoebox brings joy to socially vulnerable families and is often the first Christmas present of their lives for some needy children. Apart from the material value of the gift, there is also the fact that someone has thought about 'me', that 'I am precious to someone'. The joy of the shoebox reverberates emotionally for a long time – but also quite practically: children find schoolbooks, warm clothes, toys and much more in their shoebox. What are normal everyday objects for us are invaluable for many needy children; most of the time, their families cannot afford these things themselves.

In the recipient countries, we cooperate primarily with Christian communities of different denominations. They know where the need is greatest on the ground and normally make the choice of children to be invited to a distribution, usually long before the distribution.

The churches apply months in advance as distribution partners and only become "distribution partners" after an introductory training course. We need to be constantly convinced of the quality of their work and their integrity. This is done through regular visits, training, personal participation in distributions, and accountability and final reports.

Normally churches of different denominations organize Christmas parties or corresponding supporting programmes, e.g. in schools, kindergartens, orphans and hospitals, or directly in the families of the young recipients. Often these programs are designed by the youth from the respective community. The parcels will be handed over in person during these meetings. At the same time, a booklet with Bible stories is offered, unless this is not appropriate or has not been allowed by the leaders of the community (e.g. a Muslim community).  However, the shoebox gift is given regardless and unconditionally.

Currently, as part of Operation Christmas Child's global work, children in more than 100 countries are receiving the gifts. The assignment of the recipient countries to the collecting countries usually follows practical considerations, such as geographical proximity and thus short transport routes.

When deciding in principle whether shoeboxes are distributed in a country, a strong factor is whether there are an above-average number of children in need. The precondition for whether gift packages is distributed in a country is a network of competent, Christian partners who can work together to build a reliable distribution structure. Churches of all denominations are eligible as partners. It is also their responsibility, through their local churches, to select needy children in socially vulnerable situations for the distribution of shoeboxes; for example, by contacting youth services, police authorities or social institutions, or by identifying children in socially needy hotspots. This puts the churches in direct contact with people who until now had little access to the help and hope offered by the churches.

No, this goes against the idea behind the initiative. In the recipient countries we cooperate with churches of different denominations. Our partners enjoy our full confidence.

In some cases, a shoebox may be distributed to a less needy child, for example in the case of distributions in schools in socially deprived areas. Here, within a class, it would be cruel to say to the children, "You don't get a gift because your parents earn more than the other children." However, our partners make every effort to avoid such situations as much as possible, e.g. by inviting the children to a distribution in the town hall. Moreover, most recipient countries have strict requirements when it comes to the direct distribution of aid.

Moldova is a good example, where the list of requirements is the following:

• a list of recipients with location (e.g. "School 63 in Chisinau" – this is in Moldova)
• the distributor and the distribution format must be mentioned (e.g. Baptist church XY, Christmas party with invitation by the social services centre to children from XY in Town Hall XY on ... Date ...)
• in addition, the neediness of the children must be demonstrated (e.g. children on the social support list of Office XY)
• it must be specified how many of the recipient children will receive a gift for the first time
• distribution partners must attend a training event we hold in advance
• distribution partners must report after the distribution
• finally, distribution partners must prove to the authorities, possibly with the stamp/signature of an official who was present at the distribution (e.g. employee from the social welfare office), that the distribution took place properly and per the application made

Nevertheless, photos or a child's reply may give the impression that the children may not be in need. From our own experience from distribution trips, we know that the outward impression can be deceiving. Those who visit the children at home may discover a family of five living in a tiny house with only one heated room, no toilet, no electricity, no running water. Many people, however, retain a residual dignity in the midst of their poverty by placing great value on their outward appearance. If, however, there is a reasonable suspicion that something may have gone wrong here, we are able to check the background to the distribution via the supplied address.

This question is understandable and is often asked, but unfortunately, we cannot take all interested parties with us. However, some volunteers and managers of Samaritan's Purse e.V. accompany some selected distributions of shoe boxes every year. You can read about the experiences of our employees and volunteers in the distribution reports.

It all started in Romania in 1990. After the end of the reign of terror of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, countless unwanted girls and boys in inhumane conditions ceased to be in orphanages. Dave Cooke from the Welsh town of Wrexham decided to help and appealed to the charity of his fellow citizens. Among other things, they were asked to wrap a shoebox in gift wrapping paper and fill it with things a child would be excited to receive – like an English Christmas sock, but in a box.  "Operation Christmas Child", as the initiative is now called internationally, was born.  Within a very short time, the Wrexhamers packed thousands of gift packages.  This and other aid were distributed in December 1990 by Dave Cooke and his team in Romania. The joy of the orphans who, for the first time in their lives, experienced what love means was indescribable.  In the UK, too, enthusiasm for the action could not be stopped; with each passing year, the number of parcels grew.  In 1993, Dave Cooke handed over "Operation Christmas Child" to the Samaritan's Purse, a Christian charity.

In 1996, the partnership between Dr. Irmhild Bärend, the long-time editor-in-chief of the Christian magazine “Decision”, and Samaritan's Purse began.  The magazine called for the collection of shoeboxes for children in need throughout Germany. The foundation for the initiative in German-speaking countries was laid.

Since 1996, several million shoebox gifts from Germany, Austria and Switzerland have been distributed to children in need in numerous recipient countries around the world.

Samaritan's Purse e. V. (formerly Geschenke der Hoffnung) is a non-profit association with the purpose of supporting people who need the help of others, as well as promoting the Christian faith.  The organization supports people in need in very practical and diverse ways, motivated by its belief in Jesus Christ.  The work focuses on humanitarian aid and support for children and families in the context of the "Christmas in a Shoebox" campaign.  Samaritan's Purse International is the guardian of the worldwide initiative "Operation Christmas Child" (in the German-speaking world: "Christmas in a Shoebox").  Support is always and without exception, regardless of cultural, gender, social or religious background.

Samaritan's Purse e. V. is associated with the German Evangelical Alliance and has received authorization from the German Central Institute for Social Questions (DZI) as well as an oversight certificate from the German Evangelical Alliance.

"Christmas in a Shoebox" is the German-speaking branch of the worldwide campaign "Operation Christmas Child" and is the responsibility of the registered association "Samaritan's Purse e V."  Through memberships in various works and associations as well as with active partnerships, we are connected with many Christian communities in the German-speaking area. The statutes of Samaritan's Purse e. V. state as part of the purpose of the association: "The association sees itself as part of the worldwide network of Christian churches and congregations".

The mission of "Christmas in a Shoebox" is to give joy to children in need all over the world by showing them God's love in a tangible way and to reach out to their local communities with the good news of Jesus Christ.

With a view to the distributions, it was agreed internationally that these must be done with love, dignity, integrity and with benefit to the poorest of the poor, and that the Gospel must not be used manipulatively.

It is up to the offices of the countries that collect the shoebox gifts to monitor the implementation of these principles. This is done through training of coordination partners and distributing churches in the recipient countries, regular visits to distributions as well as through a reporting feedback system.

Samaritan's Purse International is a non-denominational charity with an evangelical orientation.   Since 1970, Samaritan's Purse has been providing practical assistance internationally to the victims of wars, poverty and natural disasters. The aid benefits all people, regardless of their cultural, gender, social or religious background, and is in every case given unconditionally. Wherever possible, this is done in cooperation with churches of different denominations on site.

The head of this charity, Franklin Graham, is committed to helping people in need.  In the course of his work, he has met many people in charge around the world, always speaking of his faith in Jesus. We note that statements made by Franklin Graham as a person of American public life are controversial in the context of the European worldview. These statements reflect his personal view and do not define the conviction and conception and the way Samaritan's Purse e.V. encounters and helps people irrespective of their religious, social or cultural background.

Geschenke der Hoffnung e.V. has been registered as an independent and non-profit association in Germany since 1 November 2001.  Since January 2019, the work has been called Samaritan's Purse e. V.   The personnel and finances run independently from the international organisation, Samaritan’s Purse International.

There is a long-standing good partnership with Samaritan's Purse International. The underlying motivation is the same, namely both organisations help unconditionally.  Where possible, this is done in cooperation with churches of different denominations on site. The aid is always provided with great respect and consideration for the cultural realities and religious beliefs on the ground, and is motivated by the faith foundation of Jesus Christ.

By statute, Samaritan's Purse International is able to nominate a member to this association.  Accordingly, Chris Weeks, the head of the legal department at Samaritan's Purse USA, has been elected to the board of Samaritan's Purse e.V. i.e. the German organisation.

"Christmas in a Shoebox®" is part of Samaritan's Purse International's worldwide gift campaign "Operation Christmas Child®." The shoeboxes are distributed in more than 100 countries. The global brand leads to clear identification of the project. The trademark is a registered trademark whose rights are with Samaritan's Purse International and thus also with Samaritan's Purse e. V.

The gift boxes are sealed with tape from the collection points without adding Christian literature. However, our partners - local churches – normally offer a booklet with Bible stories in the respective national language, which most children like to receive.  However, the booklet is not a condition for obtaining the shoebox.

It has been agreed internationally that the distribution of gift packets must be made with love, dignity, integrity and to benefit the poorest of the poor, and that the Christian message must not be used manipulatively.     Therefore, if a Christmas party and the offer of the booklet do not fit into the religious or cultural context, this does not prevent the gift from being given.  The gifts are unconditional.  The only criteria is the child’s level of need. These rules apply to the initiative worldwide.

The contacts that ultimately arise from participation in the distributions are the responsibility of the churches and the freedom of choice is left to the parents and children.

In Germany many Catholic and evangelical Christians actively support our concern to give children joy and hope and the initiative is increasingly being taken over by more congregations as "their own” project.

There are some critical voices from within church circles and dioceses who point out that they do not share the "mission understanding" of the initiative. These speakers are rarely church pastors.  However, it should be noted that various church cross-denominational umbrella bodies have formally endorsed the initiative.

It is clear that a simple, once off gift is not suitable for providing sustainable development aid in the classical sense.   But every package gift provides unforgettable joy to a child in need – and this "reverberates for a long time", both in the emotional and practical sense; children find schoolbooks, warm clothes and much more in their shoebox. What are normal everyday objects for us, are invaluable for many families in Eastern Europe as they usually cannot afford these things themselves. In addition, the gifts in the recipient countries are distributed by local churches as they generally know where the need is greatest.

The shoe boxes are a wonderful opportunity for communities to offer practical help to children and their families beyond Christmas. This continues in the networking at various levels, which takes place through "Christmas in a Shoebox"; for example, mayors, churches, social offices, schools, kindergartens, etc. work hand in hand. This, too, is a form of sustainability, by drawing attention to children's emergencies on the ground and finding ways to solve them with local means and to help each other.

In addition, it is often the case that the contact that arises through a shoebox gift lays the foundation for a new project, a new grant or a new initiative. Within the framework of the new relationships created by the gift campaign, local churches provide practical help, which in many cases improves the living situation of those in need. As a result, projects emerge from these local efforts, which are then supported in the long term by partners of Samaritan's Purse e. V.

The greatest lasting impact, however, is the many relationships between participants and beneficiaries, which would not arise without this initiative, and the many new perspectives that this opens up for the recipient children.

Samaritan's Purse e. V. welcomes the fact that attention is paid to the conditions under which the selected products were produced, both in everyday life and in the context of a charitable campaign such as "Christmas in a Shoebox®".   We welcome it if this leads to a positive change in purchasing behaviour or to a conscious choice for goods produced under fair production conditions. However, as the manufacturing conditions of many goods are complex and not always transparent, we cannot make recommendations for certain brands or advise against buying other items.  Samaritan's Purse e.V. supports the public debate on this issue within its own means.