Toy cars, pencils and a toothbrush may seem trivial, even insignificant items to the average Canadian; but for a child who’s never before received a gift, they mean the world.  

For 15 years, Operation Christmas Child – a project of Samaritan’s Purse – has been sending hope to children around the globe, through the power of simple gifts.

Every year, people in Canada and 10 other countries pack shoe boxes for children living in desperate circumstances due to war, poverty, famine and natural disaster. The boxes are collected by local churches and businesses.

A shoe box containing school supplies can mean an education and a bright future for a child who would otherwise never have that opportunity.  The gift is also a reminder to the child who receives it that they are cared for.    

The 738,039 shoe boxes Canadians packed for Operation Christmas Child in 2006 were part of an international initiative which saw more than 7.6 million shoe boxes collected and distributed to some 90 countries.

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For more information on how to pack a shoe box, where to send it once it’s finished, or other details about Operation Christmas Child, visit www.samaritanspurse.ca/occ or call 1-800-303-1269.

December 2007