# Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/samaritans-purse-operation-christmas-child-controversy > Updated: 2026-10-12T17:56:48.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Samaritan’s Purse operates ‘Operation Christmas Child,’ a global initiative that has distributed shoebox gifts containing toys, school supplies, and hygiene products to over 244 million children across 175 countries since 1993. While the program is rooted in Christian outreach and involves sharing the Gospel through local church partners, the organization maintains that participation is open to individuals from all backgrounds. The initiative has faced criticism from the Diocese of Trier regarding its methods. In response, Samaritan’s Purse issued an open letter rejecting claims that the campaign uses children’s needs primarily for missionary purposes. The organization clarified that the campaign is a gift-giving initiative intended to bring joy to children in difficult conditions rather than a formal development project. They argued that ‘mission is not the opposite of sustainable help’ and emphasized that any subsequent participation in faith-based programs is entirely voluntary. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-12: Operation Christmas Child distributes shoebox gifts globally Operation Christmas Child, led by Samaritan’s Purse, collects shoebox gifts containing toys and supplies for children in over 175 countries to promote global generosity and Christian outreach. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/operation-christmas-child-distributes-shoebox-gifts-globally ### 2026-10-12: Samaritan’s Purse defends Christmas gift campaign against church criticism Samaritan’s Purse has rejected criticism from the Diocese of Trier, defending its “Operation Christmas Child” campaign against claims that it uses humanitarian aid for missionary purposes. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/samaritans-purse-defends-christmas-gift-campaign-against-church-criticism --- Cite as: Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/samaritans-purse-operation-christmas-child-controversy