The Cochrane Alliance Church will be collecting shoebox gifts for Operation Christmas Child between Nov. 18 and 24.
As is done every year, 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 living in the midst of poverty, disease, war, and natural disaster 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. Besides Operation Christmas Child, the organization provides safe water, vocational skills, and agricultural supplies and training to families in the developing world.
Last year, Canadians filled more than 425,000 shoeboxes with gifts, according to the organization’s press release. Boxes were delivered to struggling children in West Africa, Central America, Ukraine, and the Philippines.
“In a world weighed down with inflation, political turmoil and the effects of war, children need joy more than ever,” the release stated.
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. “This is the essence of Operation Christmas Child. Every shoebox gift is an opportunity for a child to learn that he or she matters to Canadians and, most importantly, matters to God. That’s why I want everyone to help as many children in need as possible by packing shoeboxes.”
National Shoebox Collection Week is Nov. 18-24. Canadians can also pack boxes online at PackABox.ca. Along with the shoebox gift, a $12-per-box donation helps cover shipping and other program costs.
Residents of Cochrane and Rocky View County can drop off their shoeboxes in Airdrie or Cochrane. See more locations at www.samaritanspurse.ca.
