With the holiday season approaching, Operation Christmas Child is rallying Estevan communities to collect shoeboxes filled with essential items and gifts for children in need worldwide
Jillian Ursu, the drop-off team lead for Operation Christmas Child in Estevan and the area, said the initiative has partnered with Samaritan's Purse since 1993 to collect shoeboxes filled with assorted goodies for children worldwide.
"You pack them with a variety of items, including hygiene products, toys, and school supplies, along with a $12 donation to cover shipping costs," Ursu explained. "These boxes are sent to children in difficult situations, such as war or famine. Many of these kids have never received a gift before."
Recommended items include hygiene essentials like washcloths and toothbrushes, school supplies such as colouring books and notebooks, and fun 'WOW' items like stuffed animals, small cars, and balls. Water bottles and hats are also great additions. However, Ursu cautioned that liquids and food are not permitted.
When purchasing items, she suggested considering the recipient's gender and selecting an age category: two to four, five to nine, or 10 to 14.
Individuals looking to get involved can pick up standard shoeboxes at the Estevan Alliance Church, the designated drop-off location. “You can also find pamphlets that provide guidance on packing a shoebox,” Ursu noted. While any shoebox can work, the provided ones fit perfectly into large cartons, simplifying the shipping process.
Collection week for Operation Christmas Child is November 18 to 24 at the Estevan Alliance Church.
“Our doors will be open later that week with extended hours: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shoeboxes from this area will be picked up at 4 p.m. on Sunday to be sent to Regina and then to the processing center in Calgary,” she explained.
If filling a shoebox isn’t feasible, individuals can donate collected items at the church or make online contributions at samaritanspurse.ca, where they can also pack a shoebox virtually.
This option is convenient for those who may not have the mobility or time to collect items.
This will be Ursu’s eleventh season as drop-off lead, having spent additional years in casual roles. The Estevan drop-off serves many smaller communities.
“There’s always been incredible support for Operation Christmas Child, even during economic downturns. It’s fantastic to see, and I’m excited to see what happens this year.”