To the editor:

I am writing to thank Shelby County residents for spreading joy to children around the world this Christmas. Through the generosity of the Shelby County community, the Lima Area Team was able to collect 20,810 shoebox gifts for Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind.

Shelby County volunteers transformed empty shoeboxes into treasured gifts filled with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys to be delivered to children around the world affected by war, disease, disaster, poverty and famine. These children, many of whom have never received a gift before, learn God loves them and has not forgotten them. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 146 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 the Sidney drop-off location is closed until November 2018, shoeboxes can still be packed and sent year-round to Samaritan’s Purse headquarters at 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, NC 28607. Additionally, anyone can conveniently pack a personalized Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline. Information about year-round volunteer opportunities can also be found on the website or by calling 937-374-0761.

Thank you again to everyone who participated in this project and for those who do so year after year. These simple gifts, packed with love, send a message of hope and continue to transform the lives of children worldwide.

Sincerely,

Mike Condry

Lima Area Operation Christmas Child Coordinator

Celina