ESTEVAN - The Operation Christmas Child campaign for the Estevan area is now underway.
Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse International, brings hope and joy into the lives of children around the world through gift-filled shoeboxes.
Since its inception in 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 220 million shoeboxes to children in over 160 countries and territories. According to Jillian Ursu, the drop-off team lead for the Estevan area, for many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they ever receive.
Last year Canadians packed 425,209 shoeboxes, with 20,701 from Saskatchewan and nearly 400 from the Estevan area.
In 2024, Canadian shoeboxes will be going to El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, The Philippines and Ukraine. New for this year is Cape Verde.
Shoeboxes are distributed as unconditional gifts, regardless of the child's race, religion or gender.
"Packing a shoebox with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, 'wow' items, a personal note or picture, and the $12-per-box donation … is a wonderful way to show compassion to children and embrace the spirit of giving," said Ursu. "It is an incredible opportunity for anyone: individuals, couples, families, churches, groups, organizations, businesses, schools, etc.," said Ursu.
The National Collection Week is Nov. 18-24, with the Estevan Alliance Church as the drop-off location. The church will be open extended hours throughout the week, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Nov. 18-22, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Nov. 23 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 24. A truck will pick up the shoeboxes after the deadline on the 24th to take the shoeboxes to Regina, before heading to the processing centre in Calgary and then on to the recipient countries.
People are encouraged to drop off the shoeboxes during National Collection Week as there will be volunteers present during those times. If you are unable to drop off during National Collection Week, contact Estevan Alliance Church at 306-634-2601 to arrange an alternate time.
"If you are feeling uncertain about packing physical shoeboxes this year, but would love to support Operation Christmas Child, we encourage you to pack shoeboxes online or make a donation online," Ursu said.
If anyone wants to donate items to be used in shoeboxes, they will be accepted in a donation bin at Estevan Alliance Church.
When filling a shoebox, supporters should decide if they are packing for a girl or boy and which age group (two to four, five to nine, 10-14), and then fill it with appropriate items.
Sample items to include are toys (balls, dolls, stuffed animals, socks, hair accessories, cars, musical instruments, puzzles, jump ropes, etc.); hygiene items (toothbrush, comb, brush, bar of soap, floss, washcloth, t-shirt, etc.); school supplies (pencils, pens, crayons, pencil crayons, notebook, etc.); and the personal note or photo.
They can also donate items that are handmade, knitted, crocheted or crafted. Homemade washcloths, dolls, purses, bags or other items make great additions to shoeboxes, Ursu said.
People should not include used items, food, candy, playing cards, toothpaste, war-related items, or gifts that can leak, freeze, or melt (like bubbles, lotions, shampoos, hand sanitizer or other liquids).
The $12 donation to cover shipping and other program costs should be put in an envelope on top of items. Donations can be combined into one shoebox if multiple shoeboxes are packed.
Donors are asked to not tape the shoebox shut.
"I am hopeful to see shoebox numbers increase this year. Last year … Canada and Saskatchewan both saw an increase in the number of shoeboxes packed. I am optimistic that we will see a rise in Estevan, but I also know that there are so many incredible ministries and organizations to support," said Ursu, who is in her 11th year as drop-off team lead for the Estevan area.
"Once again, I am excited to see what the southeast will do. Children will be blessed by their generosity and love."
