Dear editor:

We have recently concluded the Operation Christmas Child drive to collect shoebox gifts as part of Samaritan’s Purse ministry. Churches, businesses, schools, organizations and individuals have donated over 5,800 shoebox gifts this year.

These shoebox gifts have been shipped to the Atlanta area where they will be processed for shipping overseas. In the 25 years this ministry has existed, over 150 million shoebox gifts have been sent to more than 130 countries where they are distributed to children to bring the light of Christmas into their sometimes dark world.

Along with the shoebox gifts, children are given Bible stories in their own language. They learn God loves them and someone cared enough to send them a gift. 

Through Operation Christmas Child, the people of Vicksburg and Warren County are very involved in spreading the Gospel throughout the world and bringing the joy of Christmas to over 5,800 children and their families and even whole villages. 

Melanie and Mike Roach of McDonalds and Dr. Martin Chaney specifically, as well as others, donated products to fill over 800 shoebox gifts. A special thanks to The Vicksburg Post for providing coverage of local events packing the shoeboxes.

Merry Christmas and God bless.

Hester Pitts,

Area Coordinator, Operation Christmas Child, Samaritan’s Purse