Dear editor,
Despite a global pandemic, residents of Rockdale shared the true meaning of Christmas with children in need this past holiday season.
Generosity throughout the mid-Texas area resulted in 16,633 shoebox gifts collected at curbside dropoff locations for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child.
Across the U.S., the project collected more than 9.1 million such gifts in 2021. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2021, the ministry is now sending more than 10.5 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide.
Through shoeboxes— packed with fun toys, school supplies, and hygiene items—mid-Texas area volunteers brought joy to chil dren 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.
Through the continued generosity of donors since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 188 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 160 countries and territo ries
Across the Mid-Texas Area, shoebox packers shop for shoebox gift deals year round, and many serve at a deeper level. Information about ways Temple participants can get involved year round can also be found at samaritanspurse.org/occ or by calling 254-624-0926.
Although local drop off locations for gifts are closed until Nov. 14 – 21, 2022, 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.
These simple gifts, packed with love, send a message to children world wide that they are loved and not forgotten.
Sincerely, Laurie Bailey
Laurie Bailey OCC Volunteer/
OCC Volunteer/media team member
Operation Christmas Child Troy, Texas
Troy, Texas 254-421-2485 cell
254-421-2485 cell
samaritanspurse.org/occnewsroom
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