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By David Opinko

Operation Christmas Child shoebox campaign returns in southern Alberta

Oct 23, 2025 | 1:24 PM

Southern Albertans are being asked to fill shoeboxes for children in need around the world.

The Samaritan’s Purse Canada has launched its annual Operation Christmas Child shoebox campaign.

Residents can fill shoeboxes with items like toys, school supplies, and hygiene items, along with personal notes and photos.

With the addition of a $12 per box donation to cover shipping and other costs, Samaritan’s Purse delivers the boxes to children living in the midst of poverty, disease, war and natural disasters.

Kendra Shields, director of Operation Christmas Child, says struggling families and children need hope.

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“Every shoebox gift is an opportunity for a child to learn that he or she matters to Canadians and, most importantly, matters to God. That’s why I want everyone to help as many children in need as possible by packing shoeboxes,’ says Shields.

The National Shoebox Collection week is Nov. 17-23.

You can see all of the drop-off locations in Canada here. Locations in southern Alberta include:

• Park Meadows Baptist Church (Lethbridge)
  • 2011 15 Avenue North
• Taber Evangelical Free Church
  • 5431 48 Avenue
• Faith Community Baptist Church (Claresholm)
  • 4404 3 Street West

You can also pack a “virtual box” online at PackABox.ca. By doing it this way, you can track your box and get a notification with its destination country.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and distributed more than 232 million shoebox gifts in more than 130 countries.

Last year, Canadians donated 436,290 shoeboxes.

A guide for packing your Operation Christmas Child shoebox. (Photo: Samaritan’s Purse Canada)