Fill those shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child in Estevan

ESTEVAN - People in the Estevan area are encouraged to fill a shoebox for the 2023 edition of the Operation Christmas Child campaign.

Jillian Ursu, who is in her 10th year as the team lead of the local campaign, said in an e-mail that Operation Christmas Child is a project of the Christian charity Samaritan's Purse that brings hope and joy into the lives of hurting children around the world, thanks to gift-filled shoeboxes.

Since its inception in 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 209 million shoeboxes to children in over 170 countries and territories. For many of these children, the shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.

More than 400 shoeboxes were packed in the Estevan area last year. Canadian shoeboxes will be going to El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Senegal, the Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Ukraine and the Philippines.

"Shoeboxes are distributed as unconditional gifts, regardless of the child's race, religion or gender," Ursu wrote. "The shoeboxes often open the door for Samaritan's Purse to spread the good news of Jesus and to work with the local community to identify and meet other vital needs like clean water, literacy, work training, school meals, etc."

People are welcome to visit the Estevan Alliance Church on weekdays to pick up shoeboxes and supplies.

"Packing a shoebox is a tangible way to show God's love to a child and to show them they are special and not forgotten," said Ursu.

When packing a shoebox, supporters should decide if they are packing for a girl or boy and which age group (2-4, 5-9 or 10-14), and then fill it with items.

They can include toys, such as balls, dolls, stuffed animals, socks, hair accessories, cars, musical instruments, puzzles, jump ropes, etc.; hygiene items like a toothbrush, comb, brush, bar of soap, dental floss, a wash cloth, t-shirt, etc.; school supplies like pencils, pens, crayons, pencil crayons, notebook, etc.; a personal note; and $10 in an envelope enclosed in the container to pay for shipping and handling.

Please do not include used items, food, candy, playing cards, toothpaste, war-related items, or items that can leak, freeze, or melt (like bubbles, lotions, shampoos, hand sanitizer, or other liquids).

Do not tape your box closed. Instead, seal it with an elastic.

The National Collection Week is Nov. 13-19. The Estevan Alliance Church will be the drop-off point and will be open extended hours throughout the week, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 13-17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Nov. 18, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 19.

"We encourage everyone to drop off during National Collection Week as there will be volunteers present during those times to collect shoeboxes," Ursu wrote.

If supporters are unable to deliver their box during National Collection Week, please contact the Estevan Alliance Church at 306-634-2601 to arrange an alternate drop-off time.

And if they are uncertain about packing physical shoeboxes this year, but would like to support Operation Christmas Child, they can pack shoeboxes or make a donation online. If you would like to donate items to be used in shoeboxes, they will be accepted in a donation bin at the church.

"I am consistently amazed at how the southeast seems to be able to come together and support this incredible program even when times are tough. I am sure I will see that amazing support again this year," Ursu said.