Valley View Alliance Church in Newmarket is accepting gift-filled shoebox donations this week for Operation Christmas Child.
Every year since 1993 families, individuals and community groups have filled shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and more, which are sent to children in need around the world.
The filled shoeboxes are being collected across Canada this week at various locations, including Valley View Alliance Church at 800 Davis Dr.
You can drop off shoeboxes there between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 15, between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20 and from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 22.
Last year all across Canada, more than 373,000 shoeboxes were collected by Samaritan’s Purse, the organization that runs the annual initiative.
They said that with COVID-19 ongoing, children need joy now more than ever.
“We know what the pandemic has done to our country; now consider children around the world,” said Randy Crosson, director of Operation Christmas Child. “Simple gifts, offered with God’s love, can change lives forever. Please be part of the journey young ones will experience starting the day they receive your gift.”
Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, Newmarket and Aurora residents lovingly packed nearly 5,900 shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and many other items for the 2020 Operation Christmas Child shoebox campaign.
In total last year, Ontario residents packed 131,242 shoeboxes for children in need, with 291 coming from Georgina, 4,678 from Markham/Stouffville and 1,490 from Richmond Hill/Vaughan.
Since 1993, the organization has distributed more than 187 million shoe boxes in more than 100 countries.
Samaritan's purse is a Christian relief organization that provides aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, famine, poverty and persecution around the world.
