The Landmark Shoebox Store is open once again as they prepare for a flood of shoeboxes as Christmas approaches.

Every year, Landmark Christian Fellowship is filled with toys, clothes, school supplies and toothbrushes. And every year, none of it is for the congregation.

The Landmark Shoebox Store officially opens today for the 15th year. The store is designed for people to pack shoeboxes for Samaritan Purse's annual Operation Christmas Child (OCC) Shoebox Drive. Shoeboxes are filled with items and shipped to countries where the kids don't typically get gifts. 

The store has an assortment of items along with dedicated volunteers to help you pack the perfect shoebox (or shoeboxes). You just need to bring some cash, buy the items and pay the shipping costs.

"I know that every box is an opportunity to bring a child to the Lord," said Ina Reimer, the Project Leader and founder of the Landmark Shoebox Store.

Reimer pointed out that the boxes don't just supply kids with much needed school and hygiene supplies. OCC also sends out volunteers to hand out the boxes while sharing the gospel with these kids, many who have never heard of Jesus.

"It was amazing to see how receptive the kids were [to the gospel]," said Lori Plett, Connect Leader at OCC and volunteer at the Landmark Shoebox Store. "You're giving them hope."

Last year, around 1200 shoeboxes were packed at the church. Reimer says they don't care too much about the number they finish at though. They allow people to take the shoeboxes to their own church or collection centre. They also allow people to drop off their boxes. To Reimer, the biggest thing is giving people the opportunity to make a massive difference in someone's life.

The store is open on Tuesday's from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Saturday's from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There is also a bake sale every Saturday, with the money raised going towards providing relief for the shipping cost, which has been raised to $10 this year.

Plett says the average cost of a box with shipping is around $30 and says it makes a great present for someone. They even have mini shoeboxes you can give to people to show them that you packed a shoebox in their honor.

The Landmark Shoebox Store is also looking for businesses to help with shipping costs, helping them sponsor a case of 24 boxes for shipment. 

If you want more information or would like to book a party, reunion or youth group on one of the off days, contact Lori Plett at 204-355-4272 or email lori_plett42@hotmail.com.