Gift boxes spread hope across world
Thanks to the generosity of our neighbors in Salisbury, Spencer, Linwood and Lexington, many children around the world have something to smile about. Operation Christmas Child impacts kids and their families all over the world, spreading God’s amazing love. For some of these children, the shoe box gift will be the first and only gift they will ever receive. Packed with simple items such as toothpaste, soap, toys, candy and school supplies, these gifts are a reminder that they are loved and not forgotten.
With the donations of shoe box gifts from churches, individuals, businesses, and community groups, Operation Christmas Child will be able to hand-deliver over 7.6 million gifts to children in more than 100 countries, including the United States. Many of these distributions are taking place right now. On behalf of our community, I would like to thank all the local collection sites for providing locations for collecting the gifts and all the volunteers who served with this amazing project for children.
To everyone in the Salisbury, Spencer, Linwood and Lexington area who packed a shoe box gift, please be encouraged by the fact that these simple gifts will serve as powerful messages of joy and hope to needy children around the world. Thank you for joining our community in this amazing outreach, and for giving to others at Christmas.
If you would like to receive a free OCC resource kit or have someone speak to your group about OCC, feel free to contact me at 1-800-862-4510, ext. 1135, or email wsnider@ugcorp.com. For information on packing a shoe box, go online to www.samaritanspurse.org.
Thanks again to everyone who participated in the project. National Collection Week will be Nov. 17-24.
ó Wynn Snider
Greensboro
Snider is the church relations coordinator for Operation Christmas Child.
Grateful for help
It is with a very grateful heart that we say thank you to all who donated food, toys, etc. to Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary in celebration of Sasha’s birthday at the Stitchin’ Post.
Because we are working very hard to get the shelter built, the day-to-day care of the cats, kittens, dogs and puppies we foster comes out of our own pockets. We knew that going into this, but we definitely feel that this is our calling. Your generous donations are a blessing to us.
Thanks also to Pam and her wonderful staff for sponsoring this event.
ó Gary and Cyndi Atwell
Spencer
Prepared to learn
As this year has flown by, I have continuously fretted over the start of the school year, as my rambunctious 5-year-old has eagerly awaited his chance to “hurry up and get into big boy school!”
Despite my worries, I feel confident that my precious baby will do just fine. Because of the loving guidance and teaching of his kindergarten teachers, Ms. Betty and Ms. Pennie, my son is well-prepared for elementary school! As a few examples of how they have enriched his young mind, my son is able to read almost any beginner book, and he reads to the family at home each night. He also can write his full name ó which is no easy task ó and is beginning to write whole sentences! In his social development, they have taught him ways to recognize and control his emotions and take responsibility for his own actions, a huge feat for such a young person!
These two ladies worked tirelessly with my son and his classmates to provide them the skills they needed to have a great start in life and in learning, and I felt the need to publicly thank them for their hard work and dedication.
Knowing that they have shown him the path, I feel confident that he will pursue it into a bright and rewarding future! Thank you, Ms. Pennie and Ms. Bettie, for your love and encouragement for my Byran! One day when my baby has grown into a strong and successful member of society, I’m sure that he will look back over the years and remember your influence on his life. I’m proud to say that my son has truly been touched by two angels … and their names are Pennie and Betty. Thanks again, ladies!!
ó Tushara Speigner
Salisbury