These children in Costa Rica are among the many who received shoeboxes full of gifts through the Operation Christmas Child initiative. (Photo: Frank King/Samaritan's Purse Canada)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge residents donate 2,334 shoebox gifts for ‘Operation Christmas Child’

Feb 2, 2024 | 1:21 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The people of Lethbridge lent their support to children in need this Christmas season.

The Samaritan’s Purse organization has released the results of its 2023 Operation Christmas Child campaign.

It sees people fill shoeboxes with bundles of toys, school supplies, and personal care items to be sent away to children, many of whom the non-profit said are suffering from war, poverty, disease, and disaster.

The group reports that, globally, 11,300,126 shoeboxes were donated.

Included in that total were 88,639 boxes from Alberta, 2,334 of which came from Lethbridge.

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Canadian Director for Operation Christmas Child Kendra Shields said it was amazing to see this level of support.

“We are thrilled to see the enthusiastic participation of Canadians in Operation Christmas Child,” said 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.”

While the physical drop-off locations are now closed until November, anybody interested can pack a shoebox gift online by making a monetary donation at PackABox.ca.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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by David Opinko

Lethbridge residents donate 2,334 shoebox gifts for ‘Operation Christmas Child’

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