October 1 marked the official start of Operation Christmas Child week in the City of Fernie. The week serves as the kick off for the Elk Valley campaign of the fundraising project that fills shoeboxes with gifts to distribute to children in need all over the world.
Communities in the East Kootenays collected close to 5,000 boxes last year. This year they’re hoping to break new ground and reach 6,000.
Shoeboxes can be picked up for free in Fernie at Extra Foods and Overwaitea, as well as at all three local East Kootenay Community Credit Union locations. The deadline to drop off a box is November 24.