Operation Christmas Child is starting its collection to spread Christmas cheer to youngsters across the globe.
Greater Victoria communities are invited to fill a shoebox with toys, school supplies, personal hygiene items and a note or photo to let the child who receives it know you care, along with a $12 donation to assist with shipping.
Gift-filled shoeboxes can be dropped off between Nov. 18 to 24 at North Douglas Church, 675 Jolly Pl. in Victoria.
These shoeboxes from Canada will be sent this year to Central America, West Africa, Ukraine and the Philippines.
"A simple shoebox gift can bring about significant change, ” said Charlene de Haan, Samaritan Purse coordinator for Greater Victoria.
Last year, Canada sent out 425,209 shoeboxes, wand over 3,000 of those were gifts collected from Greater Victoria.
The annual Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gifts has shipped over 11 million gifts to 100 countries since it started.
To check drop-off hours, visit samaritanspurse.ca/drop-off-locations or pack a shoebox gift online at www.packabox.ca.
