To support Operation Christmas Child’s mission to provide shoebox gifts for kids in need, volunteers from the Atlanta metro area packed more than 147,000 shoeboxes at its processing center in Suwanee to remind children around the world they are loved and not forgotten.
The shoeboxes are filled with toys, hygiene items and school supplies. They are then shipped to children affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine and disease; and to children living on Native American reservations in the U.S. For many of these children, the shoebox gift will be the first gift they ever receive.
The program started in the United Kingdom, and then merged in a partnership with Samaritan’s Purse, allowing the ministry to share its 20 years of expertise in relief and aid work and expand the reach of the shoebox gifts to more than 28,000 children that year. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has delivered gift-filled shoeboxes to over 146 million children in more than 150 countries and territories.
“It’s important for children to know they are loved and not forgotten,” said Dana Williams, senior media coordinator. “Operation Christmas Child is a simple way for participants to share the love with children around the world without leaving their hometown.”
Volunteers make Operation Christmas Child a success. People can volunteer by packing shoeboxes throughout the year or collect an “item of the month” for the boxes. They can also organize packing parties with their groups, businesses, churches, or organizations.
In 2016, nearly 11.5 million shoebox gifts were collected worldwide and 9.1 million in the U.S. and over 146 million shoebox gifts have been delivered to children in over 100 countries since 1993.
In other news
Amazon donated $15,000 worth of needed items for children and families in the Atlanta region during the holiday season. As part of a national tour, Amazon’s caravan of cheer stopped in Atlanta on Thursday, Dec. 14 to hand-deliver items to children and families through HOPE Atlanta.
Avalon kicked off its second annual gift giveback program in partnership with Northside Hospital to benefit The Drake House, a local non-profit organization that supports homeless women and children. The campaign launched on Nov. 20, and will run through Jan. 21, 2018. Guests at Avalon can bring holiday gifts that will be donated to The Drake House. A wish list alongside a large gift box has been placed at Concierge for guests to drop off presents during operating hours.
Etowah High School senior Garrett Ruslin raised $850 to help local children through his Senior Project. Garrett created limited-edition EHS T-shirts and sweatshirts and sold them at school and online, with all of the profits benefiting the school’s “Shop With An Eagle” program. The program provides underprivileged children in the community with the opportunity to purchase holiday gifts.
Information: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/
