Letter: Shoe boxes make a difference throughout the world

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Packing hope and joy into 5,673 gift-filled shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, Worthington residents gave children around the world a reason to smile this Christmas season and beyond. Shoe box gifts filled with meaningful, yet simple toys, school supplies and hygiene items are now being distributed to children living in desperate places around the world.

In 2009, giving was generous to this project of Samaritan’s Purse, as Worthington’s boxes joined more than 8 million shoe box gifts collected worldwide from caring families, churches, individuals, businesses, and community groups. On behalf of our community, I would like to thank the local collection sites, volunteers and everyone who packed a shoe box gift. For many needy children, their shoe box will be the first gift they have ever received.

Though the Worthington drop-off locations are closed until November 2010, there is still time to pack a shoe box. Gifts are received year-round at Samaritan’s Purse, 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, N.C., 28607. To get involved, go online to www.samaritanspurse.org or call 1-800-353-5949.

Thanks again to everyone who participated in this project. The joy of Christmas goes a long way when it’s packed in a simple shoe box gift!

Tags: operation christmas child, opinion, letters, shoeboxes, worthington