Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection week underway in the Okanagan

The annual project, organized by Samaritan’s Purse, collects shoeboxes filled with toys, hygiene items, and other items for children in need around the world. 

Churches across the Okanagan opened their doors to collect shoebox donations, as part of the Operation Christmas Child project this week.

The annual project, organized by Samaritan’s Purse, collects shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items, alongside a $10 donation, for children in need around the world.

National Shoebox Collection Week runs from Nov. 14-20.

Last year Canadians filled more than 413,000 boxes for children in West Africa and Central America.

“As the world struggles to recover from the economic effects of COVID-19, children in these regions need joy more than ever,” read the Samaritan’s Purse release.

The organization works with more than 100 countries and this year even more children will be receiving shoeboxes.

“New this year is some shoeboxes will be going to Philippines and new this year is some shoeboxes will be going to Ukraine,” said South Okanagan Central Drop-off team leader Karen Linton.

“So, it’s really great to be partnering with people in Ukraine because those kids need a lot of hope right now.”