A holiday giving tradition is looking for the community’s help this week.
Operation Christmas Child is now accepting donations for its 2017 shoebox drive.
Boxes are typically sent to countries in Central and South America, Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe that are affected by war, famine, poverty or hunger.
The First Baptist Church and Samaritan’s Purse Canada, a Christian humanitarian aid organization based in Calgary, have organized this year’s campaign.
Last year, Operation Christmas Child broke its own local donation record, receiving 321 boxes full of provisions, gifts and basic necessities, including clothing, small toys, toiletries and school supplies. Warm winter clothing, such as jackets and mittens can also be used.
The program accepts donations from local residents and businesses. Individual items can be accepted and packed into shoeboxes at the First Baptist Church. Donations from all denominations and religious groups are welcome.
If you wish to donate, shoeboxes can be dropped off at the First Baptist Church, located in the lower level of the First United Lutheran Church, on Thursday from 9 am to 11:30 am and from 1 pm to 4 pm, Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 pm with a wrap-up service at 7 pm.
Donations will also be accepted at Pharmasave and Your Dollar Store With More.
All shoeboxes donated will be sent to a collection depot in Calgary, then distributed to various locations around the world.
