In Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes hold a special place in hearts all around. Weyburn Free Methodist Church (WFMC) started handing out shoe boxes nearly twenty years ago. After noticing an advertisement in the Billy Graham Evangelical Association paper, some members of the church took the initiative to start this simple act of sharing the love which has now snowballed and continues to impact thousands of children across the world. Now acting as a collection center, WFMC has averaged nearly 1,300 shoe boxes a year, brought in from different churches, schools and small businesses.

While connecting with Bev Alexander, lead coordinator for the Operation Christmas Child in Weyburn, she shared the impact that putting together a shoebox has. “It’s not just a box full of stuff, it’s actually gives us the opportunity to share the gospel”. Alexander shared how testimonies have been given about how children have received a shoebox and through the compassion and involvement of Operation Christmas Child, children are learning about Christ and coming to know him personally.

A highlight in this whole process continues to be the larger impact that these shoe boxes have. “As people who simply put toys and school supplies in a small box, we often do not seem the greater impact that these gifts have, often turning their world upside-down.”

If you had the pleasure and excitement of putting together a shoe box this year, we just want to thank you for the impact that you will have on a child’s life. While these simple gifts are often necessities for us, they go a long way in restoring hope and joy in lives around the world.

For additional information on the process, please visit https://www.samaritanspurse.ca/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/ or follow Operation Christmas Child on any social media platforms for updates on these boxes being shared!