CALGARY – Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, collected 11,330,126 gift-filled shoeboxes globally in 2023.
Of those, 425,209 were packed in Canada, including 154,229 packed in Ontario, up from 151,788 in 2022.
Samaritan’s Purse is celebrating the “overwhelming generosity of volunteers who packed these shoebox gifts for boys and girls around the world,” officials say.
For a local breakdown, the Guelph area packed 3,205 boxes, Elmira packed 2,216 and Orangville packed 980.
Each shoebox, filled with toys, school supplies and personal care items, will “bring joy to children in need,” officials said.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered 220 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.
“We are thrilled to see the enthusiastic participation of Canadians in Operation Christmas Child,” said Canadian director Kendra Shields. “It is very encouraging to know that so many generous people want to give hope and joy to children in need around the world.”
Information about ways to get involved year-round can be found at SamaritansPurse.ca/OCC or by calling 1-800-303-1269. Drop off locations for gifts are closed until November, but anyone can still participate by visiting PackaBox.ca.
