Letter to the editor: Shoeboxes bring joy to children in need around world

Despite a global pandemic, Allegheny County residents shared the true meaning of Christmas with children in need last year. Generosity resulted in 13,834 gifts collected in Allegheny County at drop-off locations for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child. Shoeboxes reached children in Ivory Coast, Honduras, Mali, Dominican Republic, Lesotho, Philippines, Botswana, Mexico and other countries.

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, including Ukraine.

Through shoeboxes packed with toys and school and hygiene supplies, Allegheny County volunteers brought joy to children in need around the world. Each shoebox is a tangible expression of God’s love, and it is often the first gift these children have ever received. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 188 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories.

Across Allegheny County, shoebox packers shop for gift deals year round, and many serve at a deeper level. Information about ways to get involved throughout the year can be found at samaritanspurse.org/occ or by emailing us at alleghenynorthocc@gmail.com.

Although local drop‑off locations are closed until Nov. 14-21, anyone can be a part of this project by packing a shoebox gift online in just a few simple clicks at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline.

These simple gifts send a message to children worldwide that they are loved and not forgotten.

Stefani Allegretti

Creighton