Operation Christmas Child is under way

 Canada’s 2019 Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection season has started.

Operation Christmas Child is an annual initiative of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization that works in more than 100 countries. Thanks to all the items that Canadians lovingly put in their shoeboxes, and the $10 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.

Last year, Canadians filled more than 517,000 shoeboxes with gifts for struggling children in West Africa and Central America. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and distributed more than 167 million shoebox gifts in over 100 countries.

“Every shoebox packed by Canadians enables us to offer hope and joy to children in some of the most impoverished parts of the world,” said Randy Crosson, director of Operation Christmas Child.

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 and school meals for children.

People can also pack boxes on-line, at PackABox.ca.

Pick up boxes at: Local Pharmacies Your Dollar Store with More Willow Creek Quilts.

Drop off filled boxes: November 18-24 at: General Hospital Lab: during business hours or Baptist Church • Mon.-Fri. & Sun. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. • Tues. – Fri. • 1-3 p.m.

For more info. call Annette at 403-625-3349.