Operation Christmas Child Drop-Off in Alamogordo, 2026

You can drop off Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes in Alamogordo at Grace Baptist, 2324 Indian Wells Road, during National Collection Week, Monday, November 16, through Monday, November 23, 2026. Hours change each day, from an early 6:30 a.m. slot on the last morning to afternoon hours on the weekend. Samaritan's Purse suggests a $10 donation per box to help cover shipping and project costs.

Packing a shoebox is one of my favorite holiday traditions, and it is a great one to do with kids. You fill a box with toys, school supplies and a note, and it goes to a child somewhere in the world.

When and where can I drop off shoeboxes in Alamogordo?

These hours come from the Samaritan's Purse shoebox drop-off locator for Grace Baptist, 2324 Indian Wells Road, Alamogordo.

Samaritan's Purse says hours can change, so check the locator the day before you go.

How do I pack an Operation Christmas Child shoebox?

The Samaritan's Purse How to Pack a Shoebox page lays it out in a few steps:

1. Use an average size cardboard or plastic shoebox. If you wrap it, wrap the box and lid separately.
2. Pick a boy or girl label and an age group: 2 to 4, 5 to 9, or 10 to 14.
3. Start with a medium or large "wow" item, like a soccer ball with a pump or a stuffed animal.
4. Add other toys, school supplies and personal care items.
5. Tuck in a personal note and a photo if you like.

What should I leave out of the box?

According to the 2026 collection details reported by FOX 17, leave out:

• Food or candy
• Liquids or lotions
• Medicine
• Used or damaged items

Samaritan's Purse has a longer list of restrictions in its packing guide, so it is worth a quick look before you shop.

Is there a cost to send a shoebox?

There is no fee to drop off a box, but Samaritan's Purse suggests a $10 donation per box to help cover shipping and other project costs. If you give online and print a label, you can use the "Follow Your Box" tool to see which country your box goes to. If you are short on time, you can also build a shoebox online instead of packing one by hand.

How can families and groups get involved?

This is an easy project for a family night, a scout troop, a classroom or an office team. Kids love picking out the wow item and writing the note. A group could even pack one box for each age group so the gifts reach kids of all ages.

If you want more ways to give back this season, my post on the Game Day Toy Drive for CASA has another local holiday giving option, and my fall volunteer guide lists local groups looking for help.

What does this say about life in Alamogordo?

Projects like this are a big part of why people feel at home here so quickly. Churches, schools and neighbors pitch in every holiday season, and newcomers are always welcome to join. If you are new in town or thinking about a move, my Moving to Alamogordo guide is a good place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Drop-off location and hours come from the Samaritan's Purse drop-off locator, packing steps from its How to Pack a Shoebox page, and collection dates and restrictions from FOX 17's October 13, 2026 report, all checked on 20 October 2026.