I am writing to thank Salisbury residents for spreading joy to children around the world this past Christmas. Through the generosity of the Salisbury community, the South Piedmont N.C. Area Team was able to collect 28,634 shoebox gifts for Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind.

Salisbury volunteers transformed empty shoeboxes into treasured gifts filled with school supplies, hygiene items, and fun toys to be delivered around the world to children affected by war, disease, disaster, poverty, and famine. These children, many of whom have never received a gift before, learn that 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 Salisbury drop-off locations are closed until November, shoeboxes can still be packed and sent year-round to Samaritan’s Purse headquarters at 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, NC 28607 or dropped by the Operation Christmas Child Regional Office in Charlotte.

Additionally, anyone can conveniently pack a personalized Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline.

Information about year-round volunteer opportunities can be found by visiting samaritanspurse.org/occ or by calling 704-583-1463.

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.

— Susan Porter
volunteer area coordinator
Operation Christmas Child
Statesville