Operation Christmas Child Summer Packing Event
July 17 & 18, 2026 | All Campuses
Mobilizing Hope This Summer: This July, Christ Community is partnering with Samaritan’s Purse for a special summer mission. Instead of waiting for the fall, we are mobilizing now to pack shoeboxes that deliver tangible gifts and the hope of the gospel to children around the world.
Our goal is to pack 5,000+ boxes across all campuses, and we have a place for you to be part of the story.
HOW THIS YEAR IS DIFFERENT
TWO WAYS TO PARTICIPATE: SPONSOR & PACK
1. Sponsor Box(es)
We invite everyone to be a part of the mission to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. By sponsoring a box, you are providing more than physical gifts—you are sending a message of hope and the Good News of Jesus Christ to a child in need.
A $30 donation covers the full cost of all shoebox items and international shipping. In order to register for the packing event, you (or your group) will need to sponsor at least one box but you are not limited; you can sponsor a box, or two, or ten. Your generosity ensures that every child receives a box packed with excellence and every box carries the light of Christ. Want to donate without attending the packing event? You can also do that at the registration link.
2. Participate in the Packing Event
Join us for a high-energy, family-friendly packing experience at your local campus–or volunteer to set up for the event.
NOTE: In order to register for the packing event, you (or your group) will need to sponsor at least one box but you are not limited; you can sponsor multiple gifts. A $30 donation covers the full cost of all shoebox items and international shipping. Your generosity ensures that every child receives a box packed with excellence and every box carries the light of Christ.
WHO: Families, Community Groups, and individuals of all ages.
WHEN:
🎁Friday, July 17: Setup across all campuses (times TBD)
🎁Friday, July 17: Special Needs & Sensory-Friendly Shift (7pm) | St. Charles / South Elgin Campus only
🎁Saturday, July 18: Main Packing Event
Available at all campuses:
Aurora: 1pm-3pm
DeKalb: 9-10:30am or 10:30am-12pm
Huntley: 10am-12pm
Joliet: 10am-12pm
St. Charles/South Elgin: 9am-10:30am, 10:30am-12pm, or 12-1pm
Streamwood: 10am-12pm
HOW: After a brief orientation, you and your group will choose from quality items provided and assemble them into gift boxes. Each participant can expect to pack 5-10 boxes. After personalizing with an encouraging note and praying over the gifts, they will be collected for shipping. You’ll receive tracking info so you can discover their final destinations!