The annual Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection is underway locally.
The campaign captures the Christmas spirit throughout Canada as thousands of individuals, families, churches, businesses, sports teams, and community groups begin packing shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items, plus personal notes and photos.
The charity organization Samaritan’s Purse will deliver the gift-filled shoeboxes to children around the world living in the midst of poverty, disease, war, and natural disaster.
Last year, Canadians filled more than 662,000 shoeboxes with gifts that shared God’s love and hope with children in the developing world, according to the organization. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and distributed more than 100 million shoebox gifts across the globe.
National Shoebox Collection Week is scheduled for Nov. 18-24.
Shoeboxes may be picked up and returned filled at Gregory Drive Alliance Church, Dresden Community Church or First Baptist Church in Wallaceburg.
