To the editor,
I am writing to thank Van Wert residents for
sharing the true meaning of Christmas with children in need this past
holiday season.
Because of the generosity of donors in Van Wert
and across the United States, Operation Christmas Child, a project of
Samaritan’s Purse, collected more than 8.8 million shoeboxes in 2018.
Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2018, the
ministry is now sending more than 10.6 million shoebox gifts to children
suffering from poverty, natural disasters, war, disease and famine.
These
simple gifts bring smiles to the faces of children around the world.
Packed with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items, these gifts
bring joy and are a tangible expression of God’s love. Since 1993,
Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 157
million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 160 countries and
territories.
It’s not too late for people to make a difference.
Though drop-off locations serving Van Wert shoebox packers are closed
until November 2019, anyone can still pack a personalized shoebox gift
online at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline. Information about year-round
volunteer opportunities can also be found at
samaritanspurse.org/volunteerwithOCC.
Thank you again to everyone
who participated in this global project—many who do so year after year.
These simple gifts send a message to children worldwide that they are
loved and not forgotten.
Dana Williams
Operation Christmas Child