While Christmas is still months away, Operation Christmas Child (OCC) shoebox collection is currently underway.
Many churches across Winnipeg and southern Manitoba are acting as collecting stations to have an even bigger impact on getting children these precious presents.
In 2023, Canadians filled more than 425,000 shoeboxes with gifts, school supplies, hygiene products, and a booklet that shares the gospel called The Greatest Gift.
OCC is an extension of Samaritan's Purse, a ministry that is bringing supplies and the gospel to over 100 countries. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and distributed more than 220 million shoebox gifts in more than 130 countries. On top of this, in the last 12 years roughly 12 million children have made the decision to follow Jesus through the gospel being shared at the unpacking ceremonies.
"Struggling children and families need hope," said Kendra Shields, director of Operation Christmas Child, in a news release. "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."
Drop Off Locations
While the national collection week for OCC is Nov. 18-24, many places are currently collecting shoeboxes already.
Landmark Christian Fellowship located at 172 Main St. in Landmark, MB will be collecting boxes starting Oct. 22.
The other Manitoba shoebox drop-off locations during the collection week in November are:
- Grant Memorial Baptist Church located at 877 Wilkes Ave. in Winnipeg
- Truth and Life Worship Center located at 51 Richfield Ave. in Winnipeg
- Crosspoint Community Church located at 554 Marsden St. in Winnipeg
- Church of the Living Hope located at 235 Enniskillen Ave. in Winnipeg
- Albright Evangelical Church located at 415 Maxwell King Dr. in East St. Paul
- Bethel Chapel located at 200 Main St. in Selkirk
- Blumenort Community Church located at 59 Center Ave. in Blumenort
- Grunthal Bergthaler Mennonite Church located at 101 Southwood St. in Grunthal
- Portage la Prairie Mall located at 2450 Saskatchewan Ave. W in Portage la Prairie
- Carman Pentecostal Assembly located on Provincial Trunk Highway 3 near Carman
- Abundant Life Chapel located at 90 4th St. in Lac du Bonnet
- Roblin Evangelical Mission Church located 55 Commercial Dr. in Roblin
- Grace Bible Church located at 1910 Mountain Rd. in Dauphin
- Virden Alliance Church located at 375 Frame St. E in Virden
- Faith Fellowship Baptist Church located at 4 Willowdale Cres. in Brandon
People interested in finding out more information on what can go into boxes and the age appropriate material can find it on packabox.ca. If people don't want to go out and buy the objects, they can also pack a box online.