Operation Christmas child has been supported by our community for over 10 years.

Last year we contributed 624 boxes to a total of 640,714 from all over Canada.  Just think, each box touched the life of a child with God's love.

Shoe boxes are easy to pack. Small items such as school supplies, toys, games, clothes and toiletries can mean so much to a needy child in a developing country.

Boxes from Canada are primarily distributed in Latin America. Children often receive them in July, nonetheless, it feels like Christmas to them.

When boxes are distributed, each child's parent is asked whether they would permit their child to receive some Christian literature.

If they say yes, the child has a an added opportunity to learn the good news about Jesus.

Have you thought of teaching your child the value of a gift by packing shoe boxes together? Or, have you considered getting together with some friends for a shoe box packing party? What about kids in a school class making it a project to each pack one box. Hey kids, talk to your teacher about it.

A shoe box can literally change a life. One lad received a soccer ball and pump and began teaching soccer skills to other children until he was having a major positive impact in his community.

This year, boxes will be available at the Loonie Bin, Your Dollar Store With More and the Real Canadian Wholesale Club.

Collection dates will be Nov. 21-26, but you'll be able to drop off your filled boxes at Greyhound starting as early as Nov. 14.

We appreciated these businesses supporting this project. If you've never filled a shoe box, why not start now? If you've been filling one for years, why not consider adding another or doubling what you've done in the past.  So, let's get started and fill those boxes.

For more information, watch for posters and upcoming ads, or contact John Neufeld at 250-692-7949 or johnbneufeld@hotmail.com