City Warmer: Shoebox Gift
Since 2006, Across U-hub has inspired thousands of youths to take part in the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Project — turning compassion into action through gift-filled shoeboxes for children in need around the world.
Start your Christmas season this year with care and love by joining one of our Shoebox Gift programs! Guided by the theme “The Power of a Simple Gift,” you’ll experience the joy of giving and serving together through a series of meaningful, hands-on activities.
Goals
- Engage youth in collaborative service projects that turn compassion into concrete action.
- Develop global awareness and empathy for children affected by war, poverty, disaster, and disease.
- Foster creativity and teamwork through hands-on acts of kindness that make a real impact.
Part 1 - Information Session and DIY Workshop
Got questions about how to pack a shoebox? Want to pack alongside like-minded people?
Bring your own shoebox gifts — toys, stationery, hygiene items, and more — to Across U-hub! We’ll provide empty shoeboxes, packing materials, and art supplies so you can decorate your box with creativity and love.
[Gift Suggestions HERE]
You’ll learn how to:
- DIY 30+ gifts for the Processing Centre in Mississauga
- Pack a shoebox step-by-step
- Handcraft a gift with personalized note to a child receiving your shoebox
- Decorate your shoebox
When?
Please register as many as sessions that you are available:
Session 1 & 2
Date: November 19, 2025 (Wed)
Time:
Session 1 — 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Session 2 — 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Session 3
Date: November 26, 2025 (Wed)
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Where?
Across U-hub
(232 Hood Road, Markham)
Who?
Anyone interested in learning shoeboxes or handcraft shoebox gifts
* Volunteer Hour can be given.
How Much?
Fee: Free
Part 2 - Shoebox Collection Drive
Drop off your completed shoebox gift at Across U-hub during collection week!
All boxes will be sent to the Mississauga Processing Centre for inspection and delivery to children in need.
When?
Collection Period:
November 16 – 21, 2025
Drop-Off Times:
- Nov 16 (Sun):
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm - Nov 17 (Mon):
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm - Nov 18 (Tue): NO DROP OFF
- Nov 19 (Wed):
12:00 pm – 8:00 pm - Nov 20 (Thur):
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm - Nov 21 (Fri):
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where?
Across U-hub
(232 Hood Road, Markham)
Who?
Anyone
How Much?
Fee: Free
No registration is required.
Part 3 – Packing and Inspection
Want to experience both shoebox packing and processing on the SAME day?
Join us for this unique opportunity to PACK your own shoebox at Across U-hub, DROP it off at the Operation Christmas Child Processing Centre (Mississauga), and INSPECT thousands of shoeboxes to ensure they are ready for delivery!
When?
Please register as many as sessions that you are available:
Session 1
Date: November 29, 2025 (Sat)
Time:
2:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Registration Deadline:
November 24, 2025 (Mon)
Session 2
Date: December 13, 2025 (Sat)
Time:
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Registration Deadline:
December 7, 2025 (Sun)
Where?
Gathering Location*:
Across U-hub
(232 Hood Road, Markham)
Dismissal Location*:
Operation Christmas Child (OCC) Processing Centre
(6300 Edwards Blvd, Mississauga)
Transportation:
- Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation between Across U-hub and the OCC Processing Centre.
- UBER can be arranged at an additional cost — please notify us ahead of time.
Who?
Aged 18 and above
Capacity: 30 participants
(spots are limited — register early!)
* Volunteer Hour can be given.
How Much?
Fee: $25
Includes gift items, arts & crafts supplies, DIY tools, and wrapping materials.
Note: You can “Follow Your Box” by making a $12 donation online through OCC to (a) get a special QR-code label to affix to your shoebox, and (b) cover shipping and processing.
More details — including the schedule, what to bring, and other reminders — will be shared after registration.
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