Canada’s 2024 Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection season is underway.
Individuals, families, churches, businesses, sports teams, and community groups are now packing shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items, plus personal notes and photos, to be delivered to children in need around the world.
Operation Christmas Child is an annual initiative of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization that works in more than 100 countries. Last year, Canadians filled more than 425,000 shoeboxes with gifts for struggling children in West Africa, Central America, Ukraine and Philippines.
Thanks to the items that Canadians put in their shoeboxes, and the $12-per-box they donate to cover shipping and other program costs, Samaritan’s Purse is able to deliver the boxes to children around the world living in the midst of poverty, disease, war, and natural disaster.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and distributed more than 220 million shoebox gifts in more than 130 countries.
“Struggling children and families need hope,” said Kendra Shields, director of Operation Christmas Child.
National Shoebox Collection week is Nov. 18-24, 2024.
Visit SamaritansPurse.ca for more information.
In Mission, completed shoeboxes can be dropped off at Parkside Church (33837 Prentis Ave.) at the following dates and times:
Monday, Nov. 18 – 2-6 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 19 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 20 – 2-6 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 21 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 22 – 5-8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 23 – Closed
Sunday, Nov. 24 – noon to 3 p.m.
