Thousands of children around the world have been excitedly opening gift-filled shoeboxes that were lovingly packed by Manitobans just a few short months ago.

Samaritan's Purse Canada (SPC) says that despite the continuing challenges posed by COVID-19, Canadians lovingly packed 413,875 shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies and many other items during the 2021 Operation Christmas Child shoebox campaign that recently ended.

In Manitoba, 29,433 shoeboxes were packed, which is an increase of 15 per cent from the 25,491 packed in 2020.

inue reaching children around the world with gift-filled shoeboxes that bring so much joy," says Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan's Purse. "These gifts provide a tangible expression of love and open doors for sharing the life-changing hope of Jesus Christ."

Many children who receive shoebox gifts will also enroll in Operation Christmas Child's 12-lesson discipleship program, The Greatest Journey. This voluntary program teaches children about the Christian faith. Since 2009, more than 23 million children have participated in the program. Every child who graduates is given a New Testament in their language.

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 almost 200 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in over 170 countries hurt by war, poverty, natural disaster, disease and famine.