Volunteers and staff in Calgary are busy sorting and counting donated gifts from all across Canada that will head out to children across the globe in the new year.  

Despite the pandemic, millions of shoebox gifts for the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child ministry were collected this year in Canada, the United States, UK, Australia, Germany and South Korea. 

Creativity, determination, and faith inspired many individuals, families, churches, and groups to persevere in their efforts to pack shoeboxes amidst unprecedented challenges. 

Although official collection totals are still being tallied, personal stories of exceeded goals and overwhelming success are pouring in from across Canada. 

“Shoebox packers overcame the challenges of this unprecedented year to generously donate gift-filled shoeboxes for children in need,” said Randy Crosson, Operation Christmas Child’s Canadian director. 

“Now more than ever, boys and girls around the world need hope. We are excited to deliver millions of shoeboxes to children in Jesus’ Name—sharing God’s love and reminding them that they are not alone.” 

This year, stories from across Canada showcased God’s faithfulness. 

  • B.cause Creative in Victoria is giving 10 percent of profits from its holiday cards to Samaritan’s Purse. 
  • Canadian Operation Christmas Child Instagram influencers Jessica Janzen, Beth Menzel and Scott and Jessica Bakken created online shoebox packing parties. 
  • Operation Christmas Child supporter Melody Borgstrom of Edmonton did a public campaign to collect soap bars for shoeboxes. In the end, she collected almost 15,000! 
  • Thomson Rogers lawyers and staff in Toronto packed shoeboxes for the 13th consecutive year. 
  • One of the owners of Wilson's Haus of Lechon in Toronto posted a video of packing shoeboxes in cartons. The caption was very inspiring: Love in a shoebox. A Christmas tradition. Even a pandemic won’t stop God’s work. 
  • British Columbia provincial politician Dan Williams, from Peace River, packed shoeboxes. 
  • Five Smitty’s Restaurants in Winnipeg collected more than 200 shoeboxes. 

For Canadians who missed national collection week in November, there’s still a way to help children in need. Just visit www.PackaBox.ca and pack shoeboxes online! 

In just a few clicks, you can select toys and other fun items to include, then upload letters and photos to delight the hearts of children. Samaritan’s Purse staff and volunteers will physically pack and send your shoeboxes.