Volunteer at a Processing Center

Millions of shoeboxes are collected during in November National Collection Week. Before these special gifts can bring hope and joy to children around the world, each one has to be carefully inspected and made ready for overseas shipment by volunteers like you. During late November to mid-December you can help prepare shoeboxes for delivery by volunteering at a processing center.

We have opportunities at the Calgary processing center for volunteer groups of all sizes. You can volunteer as an individual or with family and friends.

Processing center volunteer opportunities are restricted to those 14 and older. One chaperone for every five youth (ages 14-17) is required. The primary responsibility of a chaperone is to ensure the safety and appropriate behavior of youth volunteers.

Processing Center Dates

Processing season is complete for 2019. We are grateful for a wonderful season and for the thousands of volunteers who dedicated their time at the Processing Center to share Good News and Great Joy with children around the world.

Registration to serve in a Processing Center in November and December 2020 will begin in early October and last throughout the processing season.

If you have any questions regarding Processing Center volunteer opportunities, do not hesitate to contact us at occ@samaritan.ca.

We have opportunities for volunteer groups of all sizes. You can volunteer as an individual or with family and friends.

At our Operation Christmas Child processing center in Calgary, you will work with hundreds of other volunteers to inspect shoeboxes and ensure that the contents are appropriate for children and meet customs regulations.

Learn how to pack a shoebox, and bring your gift-filled shoeboxes with you when you come to your shift! You can also pack shoeboxes online at PackaBox.ca.

Ontario Processing Center Closure Update

Every time a shoebox gift arrives in the hands of a child, the hands of thousands of volunteers—including yours—have made it possible. We deeply value your involvement, which is why we want to give you an important Operation Christmas Child update about the Ontario Processing Center.

Volunteer Opportunities

Calgary Processing Center – Year Round Volunteer Projects

In the Calgary processing center we have year-round special volunteer projects like Pack A Box and Material Distribution (preparing all the promotional materials to go out in the fall). If you would like to learn more or be notified of upcoming volunteer opportunities in Calgary, please call 403-250-6565 or email occ@samaritan.ca.

⇣Download Short-Term Volunteer Release Form

Year-Round Volunteering

We also have year-round opportunities for volunteers to serve in a variety of unique roles. Click here to learn more about these opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the roles at a processing center?

Every volunteer in the processing center plays an important role in the ministry of Operation Christmas Child, ensuring the integrity and successful delivery of the gifts. Volunteers in the processing center form teams and perform all the tasks necessary to process the shoeboxes.

Teams are responsible for removing financial contributions from the shoeboxes, inspecting the gifts, sorting inappropriate items, working with filler items, separating boxes by age and gender, and packing shoeboxes in designated cartons.

Due to the fast-paced environment of the warehouse and changing needs, you may be asked to do different tasks. We appreciate your flexibility.

Are there employment opportunities?

Yes, we recruit staff to help coach volunteers in the processing center beginning in late August. In the summer, check our employment page to see what opportunities exist for the Calgary processing center location.

What are the dates of operation?

The processing center is open late November to mid-December to prepare shoebox gifts for international shipping.

Registration to serve in a Processing Center in November and December 2020 will begin in early October and last throughout the processing season.

Our exact completion day is not always predictable; it is determined by the number of shoebox gifts received and the rate of processing.

Can any age volunteer?

Processing center volunteer opportunities are restricted to those 14 and older. One chaperone for every five youth (ages 14-17) is required. The primary responsibility of a chaperone is to ensure the safety and appropriate behavior of youth volunteers. Processing center staff reserve the right to ask any group not acting in accordance with safety procedures and outlined policies to leave the building.

How can my under 14-year old child participate in Operation Christmas Child?

Packing a shoebox or hosting a shoebox packing party with their friends is an excellent way to be involved in Operation Christmas Child.

Processing center Tours are available where families or groups with children younger than 14 can learn more about the project. These tours help people learn about the journey of a shoebox, what we do at the processing center, and how they can pray for children receiving boxes. Tours of the Calgary processing center are available year-round; please email occ@samaritan.ca to register for a tour.

For tours during processing season, please email occvolunteerab@samaritan.ca to register for tours offered at select times.

What is the address of the processing center?

The processing center is at 20 Hopewell Way NE, Calgary, Alberta, T3J 5H5.

What should I wear to the processing center?

The processing center is in a warehouse, so please make proper provisions to be comfortably and appropriately dressed for this environment. Be prepared with closed-toe shoes appropriate for standing for long periods, and warm, layered, casual clothes as the temperature inside can vary. Breaks are available as needed.

What if the day I’d like to serve is full?

A volunteer coordinator can add you to the waiting list for your preferred time; if and when space opens up, we will contact you:

Email occvolunteerab@samaritan.ca for shifts in the Calgary processing center.