Canada’s 2023 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 415,000 shoeboxes with gifts that shared God’s love and hope with struggling children in West Africa, Central America, Ukraine and Philippines. In a world weighed down with inflation and the effects of war, children need joy more than ever.
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.
[submitted by Frank King: Costa Rican children and their Canadian-packed Operation Christmas Child gift-filled shoeboxes]
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and distributed more than 200 million shoebox gifts in more than 100 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. 13-19: Each gift-filled shoebox packed, donated, and delivered to one of hundreds of drop-off locations throughout Canada by Nov. 19 will make a long journey into the arms of a child in need. Canadians can also pack boxes online at PackABox.ca.
Kelowna region shoebox drop-off locations
Trinity Church
1905 Springfield Rd
Kelowna
November 13 - 19, 2023
Mon. CLOSED
Tues. 11:00am - 4:00pm
Wed. 11:00am - 4:00pm
Thur. 2:00pm - 8:00pm
Fri. 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Sat. 11:00am - 5:00pm
Sun. CLOSED
The Embassy Church
410 Leathead Rd
Kelowna
November 13 - 19, 2023
Mon. 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Tues. 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Wed. 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Thur. 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Fri. 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Sat. 10:00am - 2:00pm
Sun. CLOSED
Kelowna Christian Reformed Church
239 Snowsell St
Kelowna
November 13 - 19, 2023
Mon. CLOSED
Tues. 10:00am - 1:00pm
Wed. 11:00am - 1:00pm
Thur. 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Fri. 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Sat. 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Sun. 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Lake Country Alliance Church
12025 Oceola Rd
Lake Country
November 13 - 19, 2022
Mon. CLOSED
Tues. 9:00am - 4:00pm
Wed. 9:00am - 4:00pm
Thur. 9:00am - 4:00pm
Fri. 9:00am - 4:00pm
Sat. CLOSED
Sun. CLOSED
These locations *might* have empty shoeboxes ready for packing, but there is no guarantee. Any shoebox-sized boxes (cardboard or plastic) can be used for Operation Christmas Child.
P.S. NOW is the time for Canadians to order FREE shoeboxes and promotional materials. Just visit www.SamaritansPurse.ca/OCC and follow the easy directions! **Oct. 27 is the order deadline!!**