Christmas is a time of giving, and sometimes the simplest gift can mean so much.

This year, The Liverpool Ark Discovery Centre (The LADC) is once again getting behind the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal, helping to bring the joy of Christmas to children around the world who may otherwise receive very little.

For us at The LADC, this is about more than filling a shoebox. It is about coming together as a community, giving generously and reminding a child somewhere in the world that they are thought about, valued and not forgotten.

What is Operation Christmas Child?

Operation Christmas Child is a global shoebox appeal run by Samaritan’s Purse. It is a simple way to bless children in need by filling a shoebox with toys, school supplies, personal care items and other fun gifts.

A shoebox might contain toys, stationery, hygiene items, accessories and other small gifts that can bring a huge smile to a child’s face.

What makes the appeal so special is that anyone can get involved. You don’t need to do something big. A few carefully chosen items, packed together with love, can become a very special gift for a child you’ve never met.

Why The LADC is getting involved

At The LADC, we believe strong communities are built when people look beyond themselves and find ways to support others.

That is at the heart of what we do.

From our community activities and employability programmes to events and initiatives that bring people together, we want The LADC to be a place where people can discover their potential, build stronger connections and make a positive difference.

The Operation Christmas Child appeal gives our local community another opportunity to do exactly that.

And there is something rather lovely about knowing that a shoebox packed here in Liverpool could travel thousands of miles and become a child’s Christmas morning.

How you can get involved

You can pack a shoebox yourself, get your family involved, organise a shoebox with friends or colleagues, or simply donate items that can be used to fill boxes.

It can be as simple as picking up a few extra things when you’re doing your usual shopping.

Think toys and games, colouring materials, stationery, personal care items, accessories and other suitable gifts for children.

Every box starts with someone deciding, “I can do something.”

And when lots of people make that decision together, the impact can be huge.

Bring your shoebox to The LADC

If you have packed a shoebox and would like to donate it through The LADC, we would love to receive it.

Collection dates:
Monday 9 November – Monday 16 November 2026

Collection location:
The Liverpool Ark Discovery Centre (The LADC)
Love Assembly Community Centre
Steble Street
Liverpool
L8 6QH

Collection times:
To be confirmed

Please check back for our confirmed collection times before bringing your shoebox.

These dates form part of Operation Christmas Child’s national collection week, when drop-off locations across the UK receive shoebox gifts.

Let’s fill the boxes together

We would love to see individuals, families, schools, community groups, businesses and organisations across Liverpool getting involved with this year’s appeal.

You don’t have to know the child who will receive your shoebox. You may never know their name or see their reaction when they open it.

But you can know that, for one child, somewhere in the world, someone took the time to put together a box just for them.

Let’s show what can happen when a community comes together to give.

The LADC is proud to support Operation Christmas Child.

Pack a box. Give some joy. Make a difference.