Christmas Child campaign underway
By Herald on November 13, 2020.
LETHBRIDGE HERALD
Canada’s 2020 Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection season is underway, with individuals, families, churches, businesses, sports teams and community groups packing shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and hygiene items, plus personal notes and photos, to be delivered to children in need around the world.
Operation Christmas Child is an annual initiative of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization that works in more than 100 countries. Last year, Canadians filled more than 490,000 shoeboxes with gifts that shared God’s love and hope with struggling children in West Africa and Central America. In this unprecedented year, children need great joy more than ever.
Thanks to all the items that Canadians lovingly put in their shoeboxes, and the $10-per-box they donate to cover shipping and other program costs, Samaritan’s Purse is able to deliver the boxes to children around the world living in the midst of poverty, disease, war, and natural disaster.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and distributed more than 177 million shoebox gifts in over 100 countries.
“Every shoebox gift is an opportunity to share God’s love with so many searching for hope,” said Randy Crosson, director of Operation Christmas Child. “These simple gifts are a tangible way to remind children that they are not alone or forgotten.”
Shoeboxes are given as unconditional gifts regardless of the child’s race, religion, or gender. When given, they often open doors for Samaritan’s Purse to work with community leaders in identifying and addressing important needs such as clean water, literacy, vocational training for women, school meals for children, etc.
National Shoebox Collection Week is Nov. 16-22: Each gift-filled shoebox packed, donated and delivered to one of hundreds of collection centers throughout Canada by Nov. 22 will make a long journey into the arms of a child in need. Visit the COVID-19 updates page to stay informed and find answers to frequently asked questions. Another great option is to pack boxes online at PackABox.ca.
Here are the Operation Christmas Child National Collection Week (Nov. 16-22) shoebox drop-off locations and hours of operation in the Lethbridge region:
Park Meadows Baptist Church, 2011 15 Ave. N.
Nov. 16-18 — noon-4 p.m.
Nov. 19-21 — 3-7 p.m.
Nov. 22 — 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Taber Evangelical Free Church, 5431 48 Ave., Taber
Nov. 16 — noon-6 p.m.
Nov. 17 — 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Nov. 18-19 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Nov. 20 — 10 a.m.-10 pm.
Nov. 21 — noon-2 p.m.
Nov. 22 — 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
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“Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes”, a Latin phrase penned by the Roman poet Virgil between 29 and 19 BC roughly translates to “Beware of [strangers] bearing gifts” and is most applicable to the Operation Christmas Child shoebox program operated by Samaritan’s purse the sole purpose of which is an annual global proselytising mission.
Filling a shoebox for a needy child is a feel-good activity and in this province amidst the COVID pandemic it is beyond doubt there are many children in need.
Do your own research to find trustworthy charities working honestly to better the lives of children and people of all ages both at home and abroad. Or better yet, find out how you might make this Holiday Season a little brighter for folks who are struggling here at home.
https://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/7-reasons-not-to-participate-in-operation-christmas-child-this-year-hesaid/