Canada’s 2023 Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection season is underway for children in need around the world.
Individuals, families, churches, businesses, sports teams, and community groups are now packing shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items, plus personal notes and photos.
Operation Christmas Child is an annual initiative of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization that works in more than 100 countries. Last year, Canadians filled more than 415,000 shoeboxes with gifts that shared God’s love and hope with struggling children in West Africa, Central America, Ukraine and Philippines. In a world weighed down with inflation and the effects of war, children need joy more than ever.
Thanks to all the items that Canadians lovingly put in their shoeboxes, and the $10 per box they donate to cover shipping and other program costs, Samaritan’s Purse is able to deliver the boxes to children around the world living in the midst of poverty, disease, war, and natural disaster.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and distributed more than 200 million shoebox gifts in more than 100 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 Nov. 13 to 19. Each gift-filled shoebox packed, donated, and delivered to one of hundreds of drop-off locations throughout Canada by Nov. 19 will make a long journey into the arms of a child in need. Canadians can also pack boxes online at PackABox.ca.
York Region shoebox drop-off locations
Valley View Alliance Church, 333 Davis Dr., Newmarket
Nov. 13 to 19
Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Nov. 13 and 20)
Tuesday, closed
Wednesday, closed
Thursday, closed
Friday, 10 am - 8 pm
Satday, 10 am - 2 pm
Sunday, closed
St. John’s Anglican Church Light On the Hill, 12125 Yonge St., Richmond Hill
Nov. 13 to 19
Monday, 5 to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 5 to 7 p.m.
Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Friday, closed
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Rhenish Church of Canada, 2667 Bur Oak Ave., Markham
Nov. 13 to 19, 2023
Monday, 7 to 9 p.m.
Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, 7 to 9 p.m.
Thursday, 7 to 9 p.m.
Friday, 7 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, closed
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Unionville Alliance Church, 4898 16 Ave., Unionville
Nov. 13 to 19, 2023
Monday, closed
Tuesday, TBD
Wednesday, closed
Thursday, TBD
Friday, TBD
Saturday, TBD
Sunday, closed
Celebration Presbyterian Church, 14-2800 John St., Markham
Nov. 12 to 18, 2023
Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m.
Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, 12 to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
New Life Christian Church, 8111 Weston Rd., Woodbridge
Nov. 13 to 19, 2023
Monday, 12 to 2 p.m.
Tuesday, 5 to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, closed
Thursday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Friday, 6 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Sunday, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
These locations might have empty shoeboxes ready for packing, but there is no guarantee. Any shoebox-sized boxes (cardboard or plastic) can be used for Operation Christmas Child.
Now is the time for Canadians to order free shoeboxes and promotional materials. Just visit www.SamaritansPurse.ca/OCC and follow the easy directions.
