Around 1,273 residents of the Campbell River area donated shoeboxed gifts to Operation Christmas Child this past Christmas, a six per cent increase from 2022.
“We are thrilled to see the enthusiastic participation of Canadians in Operation Christmas Child,” says Kendra Shields, the Canadian director of the operation. “It is very encouraging to know that so many generous people want to give hope and joy to children in need around the world.”
The operation is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an evangelical Christian humanitarian aid organization headquartered in Boone, North Carolina. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered 220 million shoeboxes filled with gifts to children in more than 170 countries, according to a press release on Feb. 9.
In total, 11,330,126 shoeboxes were gifted to Children in need, with 425,209 packed in Canada.
“Each shoebox gift is a tangible expression of God’s love and shares the true meaning of Christmas with children, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster,” reads the release.
With the Christmas season over until November, anyone who would like to get involved year-round can find out how by going to SamaritansPurse.ca or calling 1-800-303-1269 or www.packabox.ca.