Green boxes, red lids. This has been a familiar sight to many people in the Pembina Valley during the holiday season for over three decades, even if the design changes now and again.
The recognizable boxes are a part of Operation Christmas Child, a tradition that benefits givers and receivers alike.
“I think a lot of people in the area are kind of familiar with Operation Christmas Child, but it’s a project by Samaritan’s Purse that collects and delivers shoebox gifts to children in need around the world with the purpose of demonstrating God's love to children,” says Adria Dyck of Gospel Mission Church. “It’s just a really fantastic ministry.”
Thinking of others
Dyck has been involved with the project for a few years now. She says she believes in its mission.
“I think it's fantastic. I like getting my kids involved in it,” she says. “It's a fun ministry to be a part of and it's a way I can use some of my organizational skills and a way to serve God.”
For Dyck, being involved with Samaritan’s Purse is also a way to encourage children to broaden their perspectives.
“I think it's a really cool way to help kids look outside themselves and think about others, especially at Christmas time,” she says.
Dyck says that drop-off for shoeboxes will be open from November 18th to the 24th at Gospel Mission Church in Winkler, which is the central drop-off location in the area. To see the church’s drop-off hours, visit Samaritan’s Purse’s website and search by postal code.
What goes into a box?
Before one drops off a shoebox, of course, they need to be filled. Since the contents of the shoeboxes have changed over the years, it’s always beneficial to be updated.
“I like to think about it in three categories: school supplies, toys, and personal hygiene items,” says Dyck. “Pencils, paper, soap, combs, anything that a kid would like, really. It's nice to add a wow item, so . . . a stuffed animal, [or] a deflated ball with a pump.”
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Dyck says that shoebox participants are also welcome to add a letter or family photo as a personal touch. She says that a $12 donation helps with the shipping costs of the box.
This year, the shoeboxes from the area will go to Central America, West Africa, Ukraine, and the Philippines.
Each gesture counts
Packing shoeboxes is an event that takes place year after year, but in Dyck’s opinion, it never gets any less rewarding.
“Somebody asked me the other day [if packing one box] really makes a difference. Absolutely, yes. Just think about the one kid on the other side of the globe who's going to receive that shoebox whose day is going to be made by receiving these gifts from somebody . . . who cares for them,” she says. “Not only that, but they get to hear about Jesus and his love.”
Dyck says that for those who would like to contribute a box but don’t have the time to pack one, it’s also possible to purchase a packaged shoebox online through Samaritan Purse’s Pack a Shoebox Online program. She says that another feature of this option is that the box can be tracked — the box builder will receive an email with its location.
Whether one packs a shoebox on their own or purchases one through the website, the result is the same. Children around the world receive a thoughtful gift and message.
Click here to read the history of Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.
With files from Ty Hildebrand