Operation Christmas Child season has begun

By Janet Kanters, Editor

Canada’s 2020 Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection season has begun. 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.

During the 2019 Operation Christmas Child shoebox campaign, Canadians packed 490,471 shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and many other items. A total of 419 shoe boxes from Strathmore were donated to the charity, to add to the 105,864 shoeboxes from Alberta, an amount second only to Ontario.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and distributed more than 177 million shoebox gifts in over 100 countries. 

“Every shoebox gift is an opportunity to share God’s love with so many searching for hope,” said Randy Crosson, director of Operation Christmas Child. “These simple gifts are a tangible way to remind children that they are not alone or forgotten.”

Shoeboxes are given as unconditional gifts regardless of the child’s race, religion, or gender. 

When given, they often open doors for Samaritan’s Purse to work with community leaders in identifying and addressing important needs such as clean water, literacy, vocational training for women, school meals for children, etc. 

National Shoebox Collection Week is Nov. 16-22. In Strathmore, filled shoe boxes can be dropped off at the Strathmore Alliance Church (325 First Ave.) on Nov. 17 from 9-11 a.m., Nov. 18 from 2-4 p.m., Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 20 from 6-8 p.m., Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to noon.

People also have the option to pack shoeboxes via the website (PackaBox.ca).