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Thanks to the generous efforts of Gainesville residents, thousands of hurting children worldwide will have the opportunity to experience the joy of Christmas.
Gainesville residents joined Operation Christmas Child, the world's largest Christmas project of its kind, to pack 14,805 shoe boxes with toys, school supplies and necessity items. These gift-filled shoe boxes are making their way, or have already done so, into the hands of needy children in 100 receiving countries.
On behalf of our community, I would like to thank the volunteers at local collection sites and everyone who packed an Operation Christmas Child shoe box gift. For many of the children receiving these boxes, the simple shoe box will be the first gift they have ever received.
Although the Gainesville drop-off locations are closed until November 2012, gifts are received throughout the year at Samaritan's Purse, 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, NC, 28607. If you would like to get involved year-round in helping children in need through Operation Christmas Child, go online to www.samaritanspurse.org/occ or call 770-777-9342.
Thanks again to everyone who participated in this project. A simple gift, packed with love, can communicate hope and transform the lives of children worldwide.
Jamie Hardenbrook
Southeast Regional Director, Operation Christmas Child, Boone, N.C.