Whitecourt woman sees first hand the impact of Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes

By Haylee Winger

A little boy in the Philippines received an unexpected surprise when he opened an
Operation Christmas Child shoebox and discovered the exact Paw Patrol toy he had
been hoping for.
The story has stayed with Whitecourt’s Jenna Merrifield, who heard about the moment
from a fellow volunteer during a shoebox distribution in May 2026.
Merrifield had been unpacking and organizing boxes before the event when she noticed
one decorated with Paw Patrol stickers. Later, another volunteer told her about a three-
year-old boy who had received it.
The boy’s mother had told him that miracles could happen after being unable to find or
afford a particular Paw Patrol toy he wanted. When the child opened his shoebox, the
toy was inside.
“I never met or saw the boy who received this box, but I saw the mother talking to my
friend, and I will never forget the joy on her face,” Merrifield said.
It was one of many moments that have reinforced why she continues to support
Operation Christmas Child (OCC), a program that collects and distributes shoeboxes
filled with gifts and useful items to children around the world.
Merrifield has been involved with the program for as long as she can remember. Her
parents have spent years packing shoeboxes with her and her brothers, while also
helping with their church’s OCC program by purchasing supplies, organizing packing
parties and promoting the initiative in the community.
Over the years, she has also had the opportunity to see the program from another
perspective, travelling to help distribute the boxes.
Her first distribution trip was to Costa Rica in 2018, followed by another in the
Philippines in May 2026.
“Seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they open their boxes and see what is inside
them is something I cannot thoroughly explain,” she said.
Merrifield said many children attending the distributions have no idea they will be
receiving a shoebox. She said many are simply attending a children’s event, making the
surprise even more meaningful when they are handed a gift.

Having participated in the program at home for most of her life, she said being able to
witness the distributions firsthand gave her a greater appreciation for the time and
generosity that go into each box.
“It is special to see how something that starts with one person or one family travels
across the world and makes such an impact on a child,” she said.
As this year’s packing season continues, Merrifield hopes more Whitecourt residents will
consider taking part.
Boxes are available for community members to pick up and fill at several locations
throughout Whitecourt. Although it is still early to know how many have been picked up,
Merrifield said boxes have been restocked at participating locations.
She encourages first-time participants not to feel overwhelmed by the process. Boxes
can include toys, school supplies, sports equipment, craft supplies, small tools and
hygiene items.
Candy, food, soap, liquids, traditional playing cards and anything resembling war are not
permitted.
Merrifield also suggests including a personal letter or family photo, although neither is
required.
For those unsure what age group to choose, she recommends packing for children
aged 10 to 14. She said fewer boxes tend to be packed for that age group, even though
older children appreciate and need them just as much.
“You don’t need to spend a lot of money to pack them,” she said, noting that dollar
stores and Walmart are good places to find items.
For Merrifield, the value of a shoebox goes well beyond the items inside.
“These boxes may seem small and meaningless to us, but to a child it means the world.
We aren’t just sending toys but sending a reminder to them that someone loves them,”
she said.
People who are unable to pack a box themselves can also support the campaign
through financial donations. Contributions help cover shipping costs and support the
packing of additional shoeboxes.
Donations can be made through the Operation Christmas Child website or through
Whitecourt Baptist Church by e-transfer to giving@whitecourtbaptist.com, specifying
that the contribution is for OCC. Financial donations can also be dropped off at the
church.