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:

1. Go to samaritanspurse.org/occ
2. Click Find a Drop-Off Location
3. Enter your zip code
4. 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.

Get the Shoebox Jesus Doll →

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: August 2026