Operation Christmas Child is back this season and have already begun collecting the shoeboxes to be sent to children in third-world countries.
Swift Current has participated in the program since the mid 1990's, overseen by the Sumaritans Purse who send the shoeboxes to children in poverty stricken, war torn, or natural disaster aeas across the world.
Dean Kern, Sumaritans Purse area coordinator for Swift Current and area, highlighted that from the Swift Current area alone, more than 2,200 boxes were sent last year.
"People can pick up a shoebox and fill it with gifts to send it out," he explained. "In Canada last year we sent about 500,000 boxes and Saskatchewan had about 20,000 boxes that went out."
Examples of gifts for the boxes include school supplies, stuffed animals, small toys, crafts, hygiene items, candy, tools, cutlery, and much more.
"There's lots of different ways to be involved," Kern said. "If you can't pack your own box or you haven't got time, you can always go to sumaritanspurse.ca, you can click on some items there and they'll pack a box for you."
He noted that next week, the shoeboxes will be shipped to Calgary where they'll be processed before being sent out.
Anyone looking to send a shoebox can drop it off at Trailview Alliance Church between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. today or from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. tomorrow.
"Anbody who's brought boxes or are thinking about it, a big thank you for supporting this program and helping to encourage kids throughout the world in areas that need it," added Kern. "It's just a great opportunity to show love to other people."
To pack a shoebox online or learn what can and can't be packed, visit the Sumaritans Purse website.