Operation Christmas Child is a hands-on way for Canadians to bless struggling children in the developing world by filling shoeboxes with school supplies, hygiene items, toys, and other things picked just for them. The boxes will be shipped to children in need all around the world. Last year Canada sent 517,437 shoeboxes and the people on the Sunshine Coast provided 878 of those.
“Some of these children have never experienced the joy of receiving a gift before and for many it is life changing,” said Martha Schroth, local coordinator. “The happiness and delight that lights up their faces is an amazing sight to behold.”
When packing a shoebox, you can choose whether it’s for a boy or girl, as well as their age. Visit www.samaritanspurse.ca for some gift item suggestions.
You can pick up empty red and green boxes at Gibsons Building Supplies (both locations), IGA, New Hope Chiropractic, local Dollar Stores, Christian Life Assembly, Christ the King, Calvary Chapel in Davis Bay, Bethel Baptist in Sechelt and Calvary Baptist Church in Gibsons, which is the Coast collection centre at 711 Park Rd. Filled shoeboxes can be returned to any of these locations as well.
The local deadline to receive the filled shoeboxes is Nov. 10 to 15. Organizers would like to see more shoeboxes filled this year and to kick things off, Calvary Baptist Church hosted a Shoebox Packing Party with a goal of filling 50 boxes. Because of the generosity of church members and local businesses that donated items, they were able to fill 97 boxes.
“These simple gifts, packed with love, send a message of hope and continue to transform the lives of children worldwide,” Schroth said.
She can be reached for questions at 604-886-8545.
Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse.
