The kids want to say thank you

To the editor:

I am writing to thank Bronx residents for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with children in need this past holiday season.

Because of the generosity of donors in the Bronx and across the United States, Operation Christmas Child — a project of Samaritan’s Purse — collected more than 8.9 million shoebox gifts in 2019. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2019, the ministry is now sending 10.6 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide.

Through shoeboxes — packed with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items — Bronx volunteers brought joy to children in need around the world. Each gift-filled shoebox is a tangible expression of God’s love, and it is often the first gift these children have ever received.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 178 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories since 1993.

It’s not too late to make a difference. Although drop-off locations serving the Bronx are closed until November, information about year-round volunteer opportunities can be found at SamaritansPurse.org/occ, or by calling (518) 437-0690.

Thank you again to everyone who participated in this global project — many who do so year after year. These simple gifts, packed with love, send a message to children worldwide that they are loved, and not forgotten.

Dana Williams

The author is an assistant manager at Samaritan’s Purse.

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