Operation Christmas Child is once again looking for shoeboxes filled with various necessities to help children around the globe.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Operation Christmas Child is officially underway for the season, looking to make the Holidays a bit more special to children around the world.
An annual initiative of Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child asks participants, either as individuals or as groups such as churches or classrooms, to pack shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and hygiene items, plus personal notes and photos, to be delivered to children in need around the world.
“Struggling children and families need hope,” said Kendra Shields, director of Operation Christmas Child. “This is the essence of Operation Christmas Child.”
Last year, Canadians filled more than 425,000 shoeboxes with gifts for struggling children located in West Africa, Central America, Ukraine and the Philippines.
“Every shoebox gift is an opportunity for a child to learn that he or she matters to Canadians and, most importantly, matters to God,” said Shields. “That’s why I want everyone to help as many children in need as possible by packing shoeboxes.”
The project has been underway since 1993, and over the years, Operation Christmas Child has collected and distributed more than 220 million shoebox gifts in more than 130 countries.
Shoebox drop-off times in Medicine Hat
Hillcrest Church
3785 13th Ave. SE
Nov. 18-24
Monday – 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday – 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
