Every child deserves to smile during the holiday season, even those facing challenges like poverty, war, illness and natural disasters.

Residents of Burnaby and Coquitlam are being called upon to bring hope and happiness to children around the world by filling shoeboxes full of toys, school supplies and personal hygiene items.

Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child is hosting its 2024 Holiday Shoebox Collection Week starting next Monday, November 18.

The international non-profit organization, with the support of donors of $12 per box, will send the boxes to children in areas in great need.

In 2023, more than 425,000 boxes of shoes were sent to Ukraine, West and Central Africa and the Philippines.

“Children and families who are struggling need hope,” Kendra Shields, director of Operation Christmas Child, said in a news release.

“Every shoebox gift is an opportunity for a child to learn that they matter (…) That’s why I want everyone to help as many children in need as possible by wrapping shoes shoe boxes.”

Shields said interested participants can also pack boxes online through PackABox.ca.

In-person shoebox drop-off locations in Burnaby and Coquitlam between November 18 and 24 are:

Burnaby

Willingdon Mennonite Brethren Church (4812 Willingdon Avenue.)

• November 18, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• November 19, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• November 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• November 21, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• November 22, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• November 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• November 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Coquitlam

Westwood Community Church (1294 Johnson Street)

• November 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• November 19, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• November 20, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• November 21, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• November 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• November 23, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• November 24, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information on Operation Christmas Child, you can visit the campaign website.