Operation Christmas Child 2024 brought the spirit of giving to the Estevan region, with over 500 shoeboxes packed for children in need—an increase from last year’s efforts.
Jillian Ursu, the drop-off team lead for Operation Christmas Child in the Estevan area, said the collection week went well, surpassing last year’s numbers.
“We went from about 400 last year to over 500 this year. We had 501 total,” she said.
Ursu, who has served in this role for 11 years, noted that the most shoeboxes ever collected in the area was 1,450.
She highlighted the contributions of the Estevan Alliance Church, which serves as the drop-off location, and the efforts of local students completing volunteer hours.
“So it was really nice to see the younger generation participating and helping out during the collection week as well,” she said.
Donations from smaller communities also saw a notable increase this year.
“The Macoun Evangelical Church, they packed 109 boxes and we had another smaller location, Frobisher United Church, they packed 61 shoeboxes. And then the Estevan Alliance Church, which was the drop-off centre, packed 105 shoeboxes as well. So it was just really awesome to see the support,” Ursu said. She also mentioned that many other organizations and individuals joined in the effort. “It was just awesome to see all of the participation this year.”
The Estevan Bruins also helped out. “The Bruins came to help load the cartons on the Sunday, and so we had about four of them come, and they did a fantastic job again this year,” Ursu said.
Despite the ongoing Canada Post strike, Ursu assured that the shoeboxes should still reach their destinations. “They go on trucks, as of right now. Usually, there is donated shipping that is arranged, and so then they head off on one of the Samaritan trucks. Once they get to the central drop-off, which is in Regina.”
With the boxes now packed and shipped, Ursu reflected on her time with the organization and the impact these gifts have on children in need.
“It always feels incredible. It’s nice to see our numbers increase because we know that many more children receive the shoeboxes, and it doesn’t usually just stick with the child. They spread the love that they get from their shoebox to other people within their family or in their community. So it’s really nice to see.”
She concluded with gratitude toward the community.
“It’s always nice to see how much Estevan and area support Operation Christmas Child. And it’s really great to see their continued participation, and I would love to see that number increase again next year.”