Operation Christmas Child Launches Annual Gift Campaign
The national initiative invites Canadians to donate shoeboxes filled with supplies and toys for children in need.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Samaritan's Purse has officially kicked off its annual Operation Christmas Child campaign across Canada. The program encourages residents to pack shoeboxes with school supplies, hygiene items, and toys for distribution to children in more than 170 nations.
Why it matters
This long-running initiative aims to provide hope and essential resources to children globally through a community-driven donation model. Participants can contribute physically or by creating virtual shoeboxes through the organization's website.
Last year, Canadian residents contributed 458,768 shoeboxes, including 4,247 from the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows area. More than 300 drop-off locations are expected to open nationwide during the upcoming collection period.
The players
Samaritan's Purse
This international Christian relief organization operates the Operation Christmas Child program and provides aid to those in need worldwide.
The details
Participants can fill shoeboxes with specific items or use the online portal to create virtual gifts tailored by age and gender. The program operates with the goal of supporting children in over 170 nations through international aid.
Timeline
Samaritan's Purse began providing aid in 1970.
Operation Christmas Child collection began in 1993.
National Collection Week runs from November 16 to November 22.
Market Landscape
This year's campaign continues the tradition established by the 1993 inception of Operation Christmas Child. The program remains a fixture in the charitable sector, scaling its international reach while maintaining localized collection points across Canada.
Residents in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows can contribute by dropping off physical gifts at designated sites or by donating virtually online. These contributions directly impact the volume of aid delivered to children globally during the holiday season.
The takeaway
Donors should review the list of recommended hygiene items and school supplies before packing to ensure compliance with international shipping guidelines. Creating a virtual shoebox online offers a convenient alternative for those unable to visit a physical drop-off centre.
What happens next
National Collection Week will take place from November 16 to November 22, during which over 300 designated drop-off locations will open to accept donated shoeboxes.
Further reading
Learn more about local charitable initiatives on our Canada Philanthropy page.
More information
For more details on how to participate, visit the Operation Christmas Child information and ordering portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Maple Ridge News.
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