Operation Christmas Child

Fall Drive 2026

From October 25 through November 22, we invite you to fill a shoebox — or as many as you're able — with fun, practical gifts and a personal note. Then join us in sharing the joy of Christmas and the hope of the Gospel with children around the world.

What to Pack
DROP-OFF INFORMATION
COMMUNITY DROP-OFF HOURS
Sign up to volunteer

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD IN ACTION

A WATTY FAMILY STORY

Hear from the Tankersley family about their experience with Operation Christmas Child and why this ministry is meaningful to their family.

TIMELINE OF GIVING

Watty Kick-Off — October 25

Pick up your empty shoebox(es) and start packing!

Please plan to return your filled shoeboxes to Watkinsville no later than Sunday, November 22.

Fill Your Boxes

See our Do Pack & Don't Pack lists below for ideas and important packing guidelines.

National Collection Week

November 16–23, 2026

Watkinsville First Baptist Church will serve as a local community drop-off location during National Collection Week.

If you would like to help serve during Collection Week, sign up below.

Shoebox Commitment

If you pick up an Operation Christmas Child shoebox, please commit to returning it filled and ready to bless a child.

Thank you for helping us make every box count!

DROP-OFF INFORMATION

Watkinsville Members

Watkinsville members may bring filled shoeboxes to the church anytime on Sunday mornings or Wednesday nights.

Place filled shoeboxes in the Do Good Bin located in the Commons.

Before You Drop Off Your Shoebox

  1. Complete the label and affix it to the outside of the box.

  2. Include the $10 donation inside the box, or [give your $10 donation online].

  3. Secure the box with a rubber band.

Every shoebox gift needs a $10 donation which helps provide for collection, processing, shipping, ministry partner training, and Gospel materials.

COMMUNITY DROP-OFF HOURS

During National Collection Week, area churches, organizations, and community members may bring filled shoeboxes to our Gym during these hours:

Monday, November 16
11:00 AM–1:00 PM

Tuesday, November 17
11:00 AM–1:00 PM

Wednesday, November 18
11:00 AM–1:00 PM

Thursday, November 19
5:00–7:00 PM

Friday, November 20
11:00 AM–1:00 PM

Saturday, November 21
10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Sunday, November 22
1:00–3:00 PM

Monday, November 23
9:00–11:00 AM

VOLUNTEER DURING COLLECTION WEEK

Help us welcome our community and receive shoeboxes during National Collection Week!

Whether you can serve for one shift or several, we'd love to have you join us.

  • Monday 11/16 (11am - 1pm)

  • Tuesday 11/17 (11am - 1pm)

  • Wednesday 11/18 (11am - 1pm)

  • Thursday 11/19 (5pm - 7pm)

  • Friday 11/20 (11am - 1pm)

  • Saturday 11/21 (10am - 12pm)

  • Sunday 11/22(1pm - 3pm)

  • Monday 11/23 (9am - 11am)

Thank you for helping us welcome our community and make Collection Week possible!

WHAT TO PACK?

A gift-filled shoebox can be the first present a child ever receives.

Make each shoebox FUN, FULL, and PERSONALIZED by praying for the child and adding a photo and personal note.

DO PACK (click on the “+” for details):

    • Small backpack or purse

    • Doll

    • Soccer ball and pump

    • Stuffed animal

    • Jewelry-making or hobby kit

    • Large toy

    • Toothbrush

    • Washcloth

    • Comb and brush

    • Nail clipper and file

    • Water bottle

    • Flashlight

    • Pencil container

    • Pens

    • Crayons

    • Colored pencils

    • Markers

    • Notebooks

    • Index cards

    • Calculator

    • Scissors

    • Ruler

    • Glue stick

    • Small adhesive tape

    • Drawstring bag

    • Flip-flops or shoes

    • Sunglasses

    • Hat

    • Wristwatch

    • Costume jewelry

    • Hair accessories

    • Clothing and undergarments

    • Winter cap, scarf, and mittens

    • Puzzles

    • Coloring books or pads

    • Dry watercolor set

    • Binoculars and compass

    • Musical instruments

    • Chalkboard and chalk

    • Jump rope

    • Stickers

    • Games

    • Building blocks or LEGO® sets

    • Slinky® or yo-yo

    • Plastic animals

    • Magnets

    • Finger puppets

    • Interactive toys

    • Other small toys and figures

DO NOT PACK (click on the “+” for details):

    • Soap

    • Food, candy, or gum

    • Toothpaste

    • Used or damaged items

    • Scary or war-related items

    • Wearable traditional camouflage

    • Seeds or organic matter

    • Liquids

    • Medication

    • Money

    • Breakable items

    • Matches, fire starters, or aerosols

    • Knives, saws, or razor blades

OCC AT WATKINSVILLE

From packing boxes to serving during Collection Week, thank you for helping us share God's love with children around the world.

Every shoebox matters. Every child matters.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

We'd love to help!

Reach out to us with questions about packing a shoebox, volunteering, or Collection Week.

kristi@watkinsville.org