Event Details: Empty shoeboxes are filled with gifts for underprivileged children, and then are shipped across the world, including the west coast of Africa, Ukraine, South America, and the Philippines. The shoe boxes can be filled with toys, clothes, accessories, school supplies, hygiene items and more (no soap or food or items that could melt, run or freeze).

Where to pick up: Empty boxes and brochures can be picked up at the Kenora Public Library or Home Hardware store starting September 15th and dropped off before the 3rd week of November.

More information:

It’s time again for Samaritan’s Purse outreach for Operation Christmas Child. This promotion and collection carries through to the 3rd week of November. The boxes and brochures with instructions can be picked up at Home Hardware, at the Kenora Public Library (bottom level), and filled boxes returned there for someone to pick up. If a greater number of boxes need to be picked up, phone Doris 807-467-3123 for arrangement for pick up.

These boxes are shipped around the world by Samaritan’s Purse where there are natural upheavals, wars, disasters, or for third world countries where there is a need.

Items to be included in these shoeboxes are:

1. School supplies—books, pencils, notebooks, etc.
2. Toys—age & doll, balls, jump ropes, stuffed animals, etc.
3. Other fun toys, hygiene items (toothbrushes, combs, soap that will not melt, facecloths).
4. Clothing—age appropriate—socks, shirts, etc.
5. No food (candy, gum, medications or vitamins, war toys, breakable items).

Instructions are included on the brochures which are available with the empty box. Also labels to put on the boxes to designate whether for boy or girl, and the age brackets.

The main collection centre is Calvary Church on Valley Drive, to be shipped out mid-November.