Samaritan’s Purse is a non-denominational evangelical Christian organization that provides spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, the organization has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine. If you are looking for ways to contribute to their mission, there are several direct and impactful methods to provide support. This guide will walk you through the various ways to donate, from one-time financial gifts to participating in global programs like Operation Christmas Child.
Financial Contributions and Online Giving
The most direct way to support relief efforts is through financial donations. These funds allow the organization to respond quickly when disasters strike and maintain ongoing programs in underserved regions. Most donors find that giving online is the most efficient method to ensure their contribution is processed and put to work immediately.
One-Time and Recurring Donations
When you visit the official donation page, you typically have the option to make a one-time gift or set up a recurring monthly donation. Recurring gifts are particularly helpful for humanitarian organizations because they provide a predictable stream of income, allowing for better long-term planning and sustained support for ongoing projects.
Specific Project Funding
Donors often have the choice to direct their funds toward specific areas of interest. While many choose to give to the “Where Most Needed” fund, which allows the organization to allocate resources flexibly, you can also choose to support specific initiatives such as:
- International Crisis Response: Providing emergency food, shelter, and medical care to victims of conflict and natural disasters.
- U.S. Disaster Relief: Deploying equipment and volunteers to help homeowners after hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods within the United States.
- World Medical Mission: Sending doctors, equipment, and supplies to mission hospitals in developing countries.
- Children’s Heart Project: Arranging life-saving heart surgeries for children who live in countries where such care is unavailable.
Participating in Operation Christmas Child
One of the most well-known programs managed by this organization is Operation Christmas Child. This initiative delivers shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items to children in need around the world. It is a seasonal project, but preparations often happen year-round.
How to Pack a Shoebox
To participate, you can start with a standard-sized cardboard or plastic shoebox. You then decide whether your gift is for a boy or a girl and choose an age category: 2–4, 5–9, or 10–14. Filling the box with a variety of items makes the gift special for the recipient.
Recommended items include:
- A “Wow” Item: A soccer ball with a pump, a plush doll, or a musical instrument.
- School Supplies: Pens, pencils, notebooks, crayons, and solar calculators.
- Non-Liquid Hygiene Items: Toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, and washcloths.
- Accessories: Socks, sunglasses, jewelry, and hair clips.
Items to avoid:
- Candy, chocolate, or food items.
- Toothpaste (due to customs regulations).
- Liquids or lotions.
- Breakable items or glass containers.
- War-related items like toy guns or knives.
Shipping and Following Your Box
A suggested donation of $10 per box is requested to cover shipping and other project costs. If you make this donation online, you can receive a “Follow Your Box” label. This allows you to discover the destination country of your shoebox later in the year.
Building a Shoebox Online
If you cannot shop for items yourself, there is an option to build a shoebox online. You can select items through a digital interface, and the organization will pack and ship the box on your behalf. This is a convenient way to participate if you have limited time or mobility.
Alternative Ways to Give
Beyond standard cash donations and shoeboxes, there are several other ways to provide financial support that may offer tax benefits or allow for larger contributions through assets.
The Gift Catalog
The annual Gift Catalog allows donors to purchase specific items that benefit families in need. Instead of a general donation, you can choose to fund specific needs such as:
- Honeybees or livestock (chickens, goats, or cows) for a family’s livelihood.
- Clean water filters for a village.
- Hot meals for children in poverty.
- Emergency medical supplies for a mobile clinic.
Non-Cash Gifts
For those looking to make a significant impact, the organization accepts non-cash gifts. This includes the donation of stocks, mutual funds, and real estate. These types of gifts often provide tax advantages to the donor while providing substantial resources for relief work. You may need to contact their donor ministries department to facilitate these transfers.
Legacy and Estate Planning
Many supporters choose to include humanitarian work in their long-term financial planning. This can be done by naming the organization as a beneficiary in a will, living trust, or life insurance policy. Legacy giving ensures that your commitment to helping others continues for years to come.
Volunteering Your Time
Donating is not limited to financial resources. Giving your time can be just as valuable. There are numerous volunteer opportunities both domestically and internationally. For example, thousands of volunteers help process shoeboxes at regional centers during the holiday season. Others join disaster relief teams to help clear debris and repair homes after major storms in the U.S.
Transparency and Accountability
When donating to any large organization, it is natural to want to know how your money is being used. Samaritan’s Purse is known for its high ratings on charity watchdog sites. They provide annual reports and financial statements that detail their spending. A high percentage of every dollar goes directly to program services, ensuring that your contribution makes a real difference in the lives of those being served.
Conclusion
Supporting Samaritan’s Purse offers a way to provide tangible help to people facing some of life’s most difficult challenges. Whether you choose to pack a shoebox for a child, contribute to disaster relief, or set up a recurring monthly gift, your generosity helps provide essential supplies and hope to those in need. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your donation is handled securely and used effectively. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring our other articles on charitable giving and community support to find more ways you can make a positive impact on the world.