By Dolores Brown, Samaritan’s Purse
Marketing Coordinator/Operation Christmas Child
Wyoming generosity contributed to a successful shoebox gift collection season for the Samaritan’s Purse project, Operation Christmas Child.
Millions of gifts, millions of children reached
The project collected 10 million shoebox gifts across the United States in 2023. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2023, the ministry is now sending over 11.3 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide. Many of these children are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster.
Through shoeboxes packed with fun toys, school supplies and personal care items, Wyoming area 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 ever receive.
Through the continued generosity of donors since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 220 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.
These simple gifts, packed with love, send a message to children worldwide that they are loved and not forgotten.
How YOU can get involved
Shoebox packers across Michigan often shop for deals on shoebox items throughout the year. Many serve at a deeper level by becoming a year-round volunteer.
Information about how area participants can get involved year-round can be found at samaritanspurse.org/occ or by calling 937-374-0761.
Although local drop‑off locations for shoebox gifts are closed until Nov. 18 – 25, 2024, anyone can still be a part of this life-changing project by conveniently packing a shoebox gift online in just a few simple clicks at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline.
