Simcoe County was extra generous this past Christmas.
Nearly 10,000 shoeboxes filled with toys, hygiene items, school supplies and more were packed across Simcoe County and sent to children in Central American and Western Africa this Christmas as part of the 2019 Operation Christmas Child campaign.
Barrie packed 5,871 boxes (up 32 per cent from 2018), Orillia packed 2,841 (up 21 per cent from 2018) and Collingwood packed 1,158 (up eight per cent from 2018).
“We are extremely thankful to Canadians, many of whom are unemployed or facing significant economic uncertainty, for their generosity in continuing to support this vital program year after year,” said Randy Crosson, director of Operation Christmas Child Canada.
“Each shoebox that someone fills is an opportunity to show hurting children that they are loved by God and by us, and the gifts Canadians have provided will once again bless children — many of whom have never before received a present.”
Across Canada, 490,471 shoeboxes were packed this year. Worldwide, 10,569,405 shoeboxes were collected in Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Finland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Australia, and New Zealand.
Thousands of Canadians are taking advantage of Operation Christmas Child’s internet option that enables them to pack shoeboxes all year round at PackaBox.ca. Canadians can choose shoebox gift items while also uploading personal notes and photos.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and hand-delivered more than 177 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in over 130 countries hurt by war, poverty, natural disaster, disease, and famine.
