Important COVID-19 Updates
Important COVID-19 Updates
Page Last Updated: January 12, 2021
The COVID-19 global pandemic has disrupted everyday life for millions of people around the world. Yet, Samaritan’s Purse continues to share the eternal hope of the Gospel and to serve in Jesus’ Name.
We want boys and girls around the world to know that God loves them and has not forgotten them during this time of fear and uncertainty. Children need great joy now more than ever. Most of all, they need the hope found only in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Will you partner with us to share that glorious hope with boys and girls around the world—many of whom have never heard the Name of Jesus?
We’re looking forward to a great Operation Christmas Child season as we prayerfully consider ways to modify our collection and processing in light of COVID-19. We are already monitoring local, provincial, and national guidelines and making adjustments to help protect the health of those involved in preparing shoebox gifts.
Physical Shoeboxes
National Collection Week for Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child program has come and gone, but you can still drop off your shoeboxes using the following options:
- Mail your shoebox gift to Samaritan’s Purse Canada, 20 Hopewell Way NE, Calgary, AB, T3J 5H5
- Call us at 1-800-303-1269 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time, Monday through Friday, or email occ@samaritan.ca to discuss further options
SAVE THE DATE!
National Collection Week
November 15–21, 2021
Processing Center
This year, Samaritan’s Purse plans to process shoebox gifts at our processing center in Calgary. Registration to serve in our Calgary processing center in November and December 2021 will begin in October and last throughout the processing season. Please check back later for additional updates about what to expect at the processing center this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
National Collection Week is over. Can I still pack a shoebox?
Yes, you can. Please pack shoeboxes online.
Will the Processing Center be operating differently due to COVID-19?
Samaritan’s Purse continues to plan for a traditional processing season with staff and volunteers with any needed modifications to conform with local, provincial, and federal guidelines. As we continue to monitor disease trends, we are also developing contingency plans to ensure shoeboxes are processed. Personal protective equipment will be readily available and more intensive cleaning protocols will be in place for the processing center in 2021. We encourage you to check this page for the latest information.
Is Operation Christmas Child still moving forward with ministry overseas with coronavirus, or is it impacting the efforts of Operation Christmas Child?
We are continuing ministry overseas. Operation Christmas Child is working directly with our international volunteer leadership teams in over 100 countries to assess ongoing ministry activity with some modifications according to local government guidelines.
Does Operation Christmas Child need these boxes?
Yes! Now more than ever, children need to have the reassurance that they are loved by God. We believe in the urgency of reaching communities with the eternal hope of the Gospel, especially in these uncertain times. Shoebox gifts—and our follow-up discipleship program, The Greatest Journey—are powerful tools to share this Good News with millions of people around the world.
If we can’t gather, why would kids be gathering?
The health and safety of our staff, local partners, and beneficiaries is of utmost importance to us. Samaritan’s Purse is constantly monitoring COVID-19 trends around the world. In addition, Operation Christmas Child is working directly with our international volunteer leadership teams in over 100 countries to assess ongoing ministry activity with some modifications according to local government guidelines.
Should participants be shopping for shoebox items during this time?
Samaritan’s Purse and the Operation Christmas Child team encourages everyone to follow local guidelines and use personal discernment to shop for shoebox items. Many stores are opening around the country and online shopping is a popular method for participants.
What’s the best way to get updates?
The best way to stay informed is to stay current on our social media channels and to continue checking this page.
Does the virus change what we can or should pack this year?
At this time there are no changes as to what can and can’t be packed in shoebox gifts this year. We encourage you to continue visiting this page for the latest updates.
Can I volunteer in the processing center if I have a written order from a physician stating I don’t have to wear a face covering?
We seek to set a standard of care in this unique season and ask volunteers to adhere to the same. Volunteers will be required to wear a face covering while in the processing center. Masks will be available onsite for those who do not have one. Anyone who is exempt from wearing a face mask will be working in an area away from the processing tables.
Digital Resources for Churches and Groups
Pack Shoeboxes Online – Goal Pages
In a few easy steps, create a custom webpage for your church, group, or event to track your progress toward a shoebox goal! We’ll send you a unique link for you to share by email or social media to get others involved in building shoeboxes online.
Videos
Social Media Graphics
Customizable Media Slides
Helpful Links
How to Pack a Shoebox
Lead Your Church/Group
Volunteer
Pack Shoeboxes Online
Ways to Give
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions or suggestions? Email occ@samaritan.ca
You are visiting the Samaritan’s Purse website for Operation Christmas Child Canada.
Click below if you would rather visit the site of one of our Samaritan’s Purse affiliate offices:
- Operation Christmas Child Australia & New Zealand
- Operation Christmas Child United States of America
- Operation Christmas Child United Kingdom
