Mary-Ellen Willis, co-ordinator for the Operation Christmas Child shoebox campaign in Moose Jaw, has seen the positive effect such packages can have on children, families and communities living in poverty.
“If you’re some stranger in Canada giving them a box of toys and stuff, it kind of blows their mind. By (also) putting in school supplies, they can go to school because in most countries they can’t,” said Willis, who visited Ecuador five years ago and Costa Rica seven years ago to deliver shoeboxes with Samaritan’s Purse.
During her trips, she learned that some children give their teachers the pencils they receive in the shoeboxes. The teacher then breaks those writing tools into smaller nubs so more children can write.
On another occasion, Willis saw a child become excited after receiving two toothbrushes in his box. This was because there was one toothbrush for 20 children to use at an orphanage.
“(These are) things that we take for common. Give a Canadian kid a little ball and he might play with it for five minutes. Give a kid in another country that’s never had a ball — that’s a lifetime treasure,” she continued.
Besides toiletries, school supplies, and toys, children also can participate in the 12-week Greatest Adventure program, which introduces kids to Jesus Christ. It is this aspect that Willis thinks is perhaps most beneficial.
“Every kid is important. Just expressing Jesus’ love for that child and emphasizing it more for that kid (is important),” she added.
Operation Christmas Child has kicked off for another year and individuals, families, churches, businesses, sports teams and community groups are encouraged to pack shoeboxes with toys, school items, hygiene products, photos and personal notes.
Last year, Canadians filled more than 373,000 shoeboxes that went to struggling children in West Africa and Central America.
Moose Javians contributed more than 1,000 boxes during the campaign in 2020, while Willis wants to see that number increase to 1,500 this year.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and distributed over 187 million shoebox gifts in more than 100 countries.
The pandemic has posed some challenges to the program, but boxes are still being packed and collected, said Willis. Many people have decided to “pack” their shoeboxes online during the past two years because they can’t or won’t leave their homes to shop.
“In Moose Jaw, it’s easy, but in other areas, not so much,” she remarked, pointing out people can put what they want into the boxes if they do the shopping themselves.
Many groups have been dedicated to collecting and packing over the years. For example, Willis noted that some groups make bracelets, prayer packets and beaded characters for shoeboxes. Other groups shop all year-round, which contributes to successful packing parties.
“We have some stores that really back us up,” she added.
National collection week is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 15 to Sunday, Nov. 21. This is also when Willis organizes “packing parties” in Moose Jaw for people participating in the program. Since there are pandemic restrictions in place, anyone interested in packing with the group should contact Willis at 306-630-2581 for an invitation to attend.
Willis encouraged residents to participate in packing a box, either online or by doing so physically. She noted that this is also a good way to teach children about generosity.
Boxes can be dropped off at Victory Church and Moose Jaw Alliance Church.
