Grande Prairie and Fort St John residents packed almost 4,000 shoeboxes for children in need during the Operation Christmas child shoebox campaign.

Grande Prairie residents pulled together and packed just over 2500 boxes, a 34 percent increase from last year.

Fort St John residents packed just over 1400 respectively.

Samaritan's Purse distributed the shoeboxes recently in Costa Rica where they shared the Gospel to all children at shoebox distribution events.

OCC - Costa RicaPhoto: Submitted by Frank King/Samaritan’s Purse Canada

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, collected 11,300,126 gift-filled shoeboxes globally in 2023—425,209 of these were packed in Canada. Each shoebox gift is a tangible express of God’s love and shares the true meaning of Christmas with children, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster.

“We are thrilled to see the enthusiastic participation of Canadians in Operation Christmas Child,” said Kendra Shields, Operation Christmas Child’s Canadian director. “It is very encouraging to know that so many generous people want to give hope and joy to children in need around the world.”

Across Canada, shoebox packers often shop for deals on shoebox items throughout the year, and many serve at a deeper level by becoming a year-round volunteer. Information about ways area participants can get involved year-round can also be found at SamaritansPurse.ca/OCC or by calling 1-800-303-1269.