ESTEVAN — In what has become an annual pre-Christmas tradition in Estevan and so many other communities in Canada, the annual Operation Christmas Child campaign is returning to the city.
Jillian Ursu, the drop-off team lead for Estevan and area during the campaign, said Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, brings hope and joy into the lives of hurting children around the world through gift-filled shoeboxes.
More than 700 shoeboxes were filled in the Estevan area. Individuals, families, groups and churches are welcome to visit the Estevan Alliance Church to pick up shoebox supplies.
“Since its beginning in 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 188 million shoeboxes to children in over 170 countries and territories. For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received,” she said.
Shoeboxes collected in Estevan and elsewhere in Canada will be going to El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Ukraine and The Philippines. The latter two nations are new for this year.
“Shoeboxes are distributed as unconditional gifts, regardless of the child’s race, religion or gender. The shoeboxes often open the door for Samaritan’s Purse to work with the local community to identify and meet other vital needs like clean water, literacy, work training, school meals, etc.,” Ursu wrote.
The shoeboxes can include toys, school supplies, hygiene items or special “wow” items. Donors are asked to include a personal note or picture, and a $10-per-box donation to cover shipping and other program costs.
Donors are asked to decide if they are packing for a girl or boy and which age group (two to four, five to nine or 10-14), and then fill the container with items.
Supporters should not include used items, food, candy, playing cards, toothpaste, war-related items, or anything that can leak, freeze or melt, like bubbles, lotions, shampoos, hand sanitizer or other liquids.
If someone is feeling uncertain about packing physical shoeboxes this year, but would love to support Operation Christmas Child, they can pack shoeboxes or donate online.
And if somebody would like to provide something to be used, items will be accepted in a donation bin at the Estevan Alliance Church.
The national collection week is Nov. 14-20. The Estevan Alliance Church will once again serve as the drop-off location for Estevan, and it will be open extended hours throughout the week, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 14-18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Nov. 19 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 20.
“We encourage everyone to drop off during national collection week as there will be volunteers present during those times to collect shoeboxes,” said Ursu.
If you are unable to drop off during the national collection week, please contact Estevan Alliance Church at 306-634-2601 to arrange an alternate time.
“The last two seasons of OCC dealt with a lot of uncertainty and yet Canadians pulled through and packed an amazing number of shoeboxes,” said Ursu. “I am looking forward to what is in store for this year as we head into a season less affected by COVID-19 than the past two years.”
This year is her ninth season as the drop-off team lead for Estevan and area.
“I am truly excited to see Estevan and area come together once again and put smiles on the faces of hundreds of children by packing shoeboxes,” said Ursu.
Last year Canadians packed 413,875 shoeboxes, with 21,631 coming from Saskatchewan.
