A shoe box filled with small gifts might not seem like much, but for many children living in Ukraine and other impoverished and war-torn countries around the world, it might be all they get for Christmas.
Operation Christmas Child, operated by international Christian relief group Samaritan’s Purse, is returning this year. Canadians are asked to fill a shoe box or similar small container with toys, school supplies, hygiene items and other gifts to deliver to needy children around the world.
“It seems the world’s greatest need over the past few years has been hope,” said Kendra Shields, acting director of Operation Christmas Child, in a statement issued on Thursday. “This is the essence of Operation Christmas Child. That’s why I urge everyone to help as many children in need as possible by packing shoe boxes.”
Filled shoe boxes, along with a $10 donation to cover the delivery costs, can be dropped off between Nov. 17 and Nov. 20 at the WestSide Family Fellowship church, located at 3791 Highway 16 W. The church will be open to receive donations from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Last year, Canadians donated 443,000 shoe boxes of gifts to children around the world through the program.
Donations can also be made online at PackABox.ca.
