The 2024 season for Canada’s Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection has begun, engaging participants from a variety of sectors, including individuals, families, churches, businesses, sports teams, and community groups. These groups are packing shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, personal notes, and photos to be distributed to children in need worldwide.
KINGSTON shoebox drop-off location is Kingston Gospel Temple Inc at 2295 Princess St.
November 18 – 24, 2024
Mon. 9:00am – 1:00pm
Tues. 9:00am – 11:00am
Wed. 9:00am – 11:00am
Thur. 9:00am – 11:00am & 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Fri. 9:00am – 1:00pm
Sat. CLOSED Sun. CLOSED
Napanee drop off at Westdale Park Free Methodist Church at 7 Richmond Park Dr.
November 18 – 24, 2024
Mon. 10:00am – 2:00pm
Tues. 10:00am – 6:00pm
Wed. 10:00am – 2:00pm
Thur. 10:00am – 2:00pm
Fri. CLOSED
Sat. CLOSED
Sun. 11:30am – 2:00pm
Operation Christmas Child is an annual initiative of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization active in more than 100 countries. Last year, Canadians contributed over 425,000 shoeboxes filled with gifts intended to share “God’s love and hope” with children facing hardship in regions including West Africa, Central America, Ukraine, and the Philippines. Organizers emphasize the need for joy among children amid rising global challenges, including inflation, political instability, and the effects of war.
Each shoebox is delivered through donations that cover the costs of shipping and associated program expenses, allowing Samaritan’s Purse to reach children affected by poverty, disease, conflict, and natural disasters worldwide. Since its inception in 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and distributed more than 220 million shoebox gifts across over 130 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 scheduled for November 18-24. Shoeboxes packed, donated, and delivered to one of the hundreds of drop-off locations across Canada by November 18 will be sent on a journey to children in need. Canadians may also choose to pack boxes online at PackABox.ca.
Samaritan’s Purse, named after the Good Samaritan in the biblical story, provides relief and development aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine, and persecution. In addition to Operation Christmas Child, the organization provides resources for clean water, vocational training, and agricultural support to families in developing nations. Further information is available at SamaritansPurse.ca.
Photo (submitted): Children in Costa Rica checking out the contents of their Canadian Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes
