It’s that time of the year when many people turn their attention to filling shoe boxes that end up with children in countries around the world.

 

It’s all part of Operation Christmas Child.

 

“We’re just getting the boxes out to all the people and just letting people know what’s happening and that the boxes are available and ready to be packed” said Boissevain-Minto coordinator Karen Fraser.

 

“Things haven’t changed a whole lot because a lot of it can be contact free pick up and drop off.”

 

For 2021 Operation Christmas Child could be a popular program with area residents.

“Oh for sure because I’ve been invited to speak at a few churches and it has been really positive. People in some cases have been asking for more boxes than they have ever asked for before which is fabulous.”

The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Through this project, Samaritan’s Purse partners with the local church worldwide.

“Operation Christmas Child is about packing a shoe box for a child, usually in Central America, and they are filled with lots of things kids would enjoy, hygiene items and school supplies” said Karen Fraser.

Suggestions for filling a shoe box start with whether you will pack a box for a girl or a boy, and the age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Select a quality toy such as a doll, soccer ball with pump, or stuffed animal. Then add other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies.

People are asked to donate a minimum of $10 for each shoe box you prepare to help cover project costs--including shipping.

Take your shoe box gift to a local drop-off location during National Collection Week, November 15-21, 2021.