Operation Christmas Child - Dates, Deadlines & Drop-off Locations (2026)
Everything you need to know about Operation Christmas Child deadlines, drop-off locations, and key dates for 2026 — so your shoebox gets there on time.
When Is Operation Christmas Child 2026?
National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child 2026 is November 16–23, 2026 — the week before Thanksgiving.
That's the window to drop off your shoebox. Miss it and you'll need to build a box online instead.
What Are the Key Dates for Operation Christmas Child 2026?
- Now through November 15: Pack your shoebox, order your shipping label
- November 16–23, 2026: National Collection Week — drop-off locations open
- November 24 (Tuesday after Thanksgiving): Processing center volunteering opens
- November–December: Shoeboxes processed and shipped internationally
- December–February: Boxes distributed to children in 100+ countries
The best time to start packing is right now. Back-to-school sales in August and September are the best time to buy school supplies at the lowest prices. Popular items — soccer balls, solar flashlights, quality watches — sell out before October.
When Should I Start Packing My OCC Shoebox for 2026?
Start in August or September. Here's why:
- Back-to-school sales mean pencils, notebooks, and colored pencils are at their lowest prices
- Popular WOW items sell out by October
- You're not rushing at the last minute
- You have time to pray intentionally over the child you're packing for
National Collection Week feels far away until it isn't. Pack now.
Where Are Operation Christmas Child Drop-Off Locations in 2026?
Samaritan's Purse operates nearly 5,000 drop-off locations across all 50 states and Puerto Rico during National Collection Week.
Find your nearest drop-off location using the zip code lookup tool at:
👉 samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations
Drop-off locations are updated and activated closer to National Collection Week. If your location isn't showing yet, check back in October.
Where Can I Drop Off an OCC Shoebox Near Me?
Most drop-off locations are local churches. Some schools, businesses, and community organizations also serve as collection points during National Collection Week.
To find one near you:
- Go to samaritanspurse.org/occ
- Click Find a Drop-Off Location
- Enter your zip code
- Choose the nearest location and note the hours
Most locations are open during church hours — typically Monday–Friday 9am–5pm and Sunday mornings. Some accept boxes by appointment outside those hours. Call ahead if you're dropping off a large number of boxes.
What Do I Need to Bring When I Drop Off My OCC Shoebox?
- Your packed shoebox, sealed with a rubber band (not tape — it must be openable for inspection)
- Your $10 shipping label attached to the lid — order it here
- The age/gender label filled out on the end of the box
That's it. Drop it off, pray over it, and go home knowing a child somewhere in the world is going to open that box.
What Is the Shipping Fee for Operation Christmas Child 2026?
The shipping fee is $10 per box. This covers international shipping, processing, and ministry materials including The Greatest Gift Gospel Booklet.
Pay online and get a tracking label at:
👉 samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/label-options
The tracking label lets you follow your box through OCC's Follow Your Box program — you'll receive an update on which country or region your box was sent to.
Can I Drop Off an OCC Shoebox After National Collection Week?
No — physical drop-off locations close after November 23, 2026. If you miss the deadline, you have one option:
Build a Shoebox Online — available year-round at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline. Select gifts by age and gender, add a photo and note, and OCC handles everything else.
What Is the Best WOW Gift for an OCC Shoebox in 2026?
Every great shoebox needs a WOW gift — the anchor item that makes a child's eyes go wide. The best one for any box — boys or girls, any age — is the Shoebox Jesus Doll.
It's a 10-inch plush Jesus designed specifically for OCC. Fits any box. No batteries. No language barrier. Franklin Graham said: "These are great and the children will love them."
Put Jesus in first. Build the rest around Him.
Quick Reference: OCC 2026 Dates
- 📦 Best time to pack: August–October 2026
- 🏷️ Order shipping label: Any time at samaritanspurse.org
- 📬 National Collection Week: November 16–23, 2026
- 🔍 Find drop-off locations: samaritanspurse.org/occ
- 💻 Build a box online: samaritanspurse.org/buildonline
- 📦 Order preprinted boxes: samaritanspurse.org/occ/order-boxes
Last updated: July 2026