Operation ‘Christmas Child’ is once again in full swing across Chatham-Kent.
Operation Christmas Child is a hands-on way for Canadians to bless struggling children in the developing world by filling shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies and other items, said Marien Hopman, one of the local organizers.
“We collect the boxes and distribute them in the name of Jesus Christ to children living in desperate situations,” Hopman said in an email to the Sydenham Current.
“This whole project was started in 1990 by Dave and Jill Cook and adopted by Franklin Graham (Billy Graham’s son) who runs Samaritan’s Purse in 1993.”
Gift Shoe Boxes are now shipped to over 100 countries world wide and in 2019 boxes filled over 70 sea containers, Hopman said.
“In Canada last year over 550,000 were packed for delivery… 2,501 gift filled shoeboxes were packed in Chatham-Kent.”
In Canada, there are over 1,000 drop off locations.
“Boxes are filled with toys, hygiene products, tooth brushes, soaps… and also contain a booklet explaining ‘The True Christmas Story’,” Hopman said.
“Some people pack a picture of their family in the shoe box along with personal Christmas wishes. National Collection Week is November 16 to 22 this year… so let’s get them dropped off (at) locations soon at the various collection centres.”
Shoe boxes are available and will be collected at:
– Gregory Drive Alliance Church in Chatham
– Dresden Community Church
– First Baptist Church in Wallaceburg
