Processing Center Volunteer Registration
This year, Samaritan’s Purse plans to process shoebox gifts at our processing center in Calgary. Registration to serve in our Calgary processing center will be starting on November 25 and wrapping up on December 10, 2021. Registration to book volunteer shifts will open on October 4 and last throughout the processing season. Please check back later for additional updates about what to expect at the processing center this year.
COVID-19 Precautions
Find out the latest about how Samaritan’s Purse is making adjustments to help protect the health of those involved in volunteering at the Operation Christmas Child processing center. It’s important for you to visit this site regularly to stay informed of any changes that may affect your volunteer experience.
Processing center volunteer opportunities are restricted to those 14 years of age or older. A 1:5 chaperone is required for youth volunteers between 14-17 years of age.
Get Involved
It’s not too late to pack shoeboxes online and share God’s love with a hurting child overseas, without even leaving your home.
We also have year-round opportunities for volunteers to serve in a variety of unique roles. Click here to learn more about these opportunities.
Volunteer at the Calgary Processing Center
Millions of shoeboxes are collected during National Collection Week in November. 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.
COVID-19 Precautions
Through the guidance and recommendations of Alberta Health Services, Samaritans Purse is committed to do all we can to keep our staff and volunteers safe while they are in our building. Below is the list of safety measures that have been put in place and will be enforced on our premises.
- Volunteers will be required to wear masks and use hand sanitizer.
- Samaritan’s Purse will provide masks and optional gloves if an individual does not have their own, for all staff and volunteers who serve in a processing center.
- Hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout the facilities.
- The temperature of all volunteers will be checked upon arrival and staff temperatures will be monitored daily as well.
- Designated staff will clean and sanitize the properties frequently.
- Our newly-developed processing procedures will allow volunteers and staff to physical distance while serving with those from other groups.
- If changes to your schedule are required due to local COVID-19 conditions, we will communicate as quickly and thoroughly as possible through email.
Processing Center Dates
Registration to serve in our Calgary processing center will be starting on November 25 and wrapping up on December 10, 2021. Registration to book volunteer shifts will open on October 4 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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you serve, check out our COVID-19 landing page to see the precautions Operation Christmas Child is taking to help protect the health of our volunteers.
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 our Calgary processing center will be starting on November 25 and wrapping up on December 10, 2021. Registration to book volunteer shifts will open on October 4 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 during processing season are suspended for 2020 due to COVID-19 distancing protocols.
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.
