More than 11 million Shoebox Gifts collected for children in need

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, collected 11,300,126 gift-filled shoeboxes globally in 2023—425,209 of these were packed in Canada. Each shoebox gift is a tangible expression of God’s love and shares the true meaning of Christmas with children, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster. 

Samaritan’s Purse is celebrating the overwhelming generosity of volunteers who packed these shoebox gifts for boys and girls around the world. Each shoebox – filled with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items – will bring joy to children in need. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered 220 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

“We are thrilled to see the enthusiastic participation of Canadians in Operation Christmas Child,” said Kendra Shields, Operation Christmas Child’s Canadian director. “It is very encouraging to know that so many generous people want to give hope and joy to children in need around the world.”

Across Canada, shoebox packers often shop for deals on shoebox items throughout the year, and many serve at a deeper level by becoming a year-round volunteer. Information about ways area participants can get involved year-round can also be found at SamaritansPurse.ca/OCC or by calling 1-800-303-1269

Although drop‑off locations for gifts are closed until November, anyone can still be a part of this life-changing project by conveniently packing a shoebox gift online in just a few easy clicks at PackaBox.ca. These simple gifts, packed with love, send a message to children worldwide that they are loved and not forgotten.

As children in need receive their Canadian shoeboxes, Samaritan’s Purse will proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in three ways:

1. When it is culturally appropriate, we present the Gospel to all children at shoebox distribution events. Many parents or guardians attend these events and also hear the Good News.

2. We offer children The Greatest Gift, a colourful storybook that shares the message of salvation. The booklet (available in more than 80 languages) shares 11 Scripture stories and invites children to follow Christ. Shoebox recipients can take The Greatest Gift home to share with family and friends. 

3. When possible, we invite each child who received a shoebox to participate in The Greatest Journey, our 12-lesson evangelism and discipleship program. After finishing The Greatest Journey, children attend a graduation celebration where we give them a certificate and a New Testament in their language. It is often the first copy of God’s Word the child or their family have ever owned.

We praise God that during the last 10 years, He has used The Greatest Journey to bring more than 11 million children to faith in His Son. In many cases, God works through these children to bring their parents and siblings to faith in Christ.

About Samaritan’s Purse Canada

Samaritan’s Purse is a Christian organization that takes its name from Jesus Christ’s biblical story of the Good Samaritan. Like that Good Samaritan, who found a beaten man and helped restore him, we aid victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine, and persecution. Our other initiatives include providing safe water, literacy skills, vocational training and more for people in the developing world. Learn more at SamaritansPurse.ca.