The Enterprise opinion pages are an open forum for our community. We encourage readers to express their thoughts about issues that appear in this newspaper or affect the community. Letters should be brief (with an outside limit of 1,000 words) and must include the writer's address, name, and phone number for verification. The editor may reject letters that have been printed elsewhere. Letters concerning elections will be cut off one issue before the election at the editor's discretion. No unsigned letters will be published. The deadline for letters is Tuesday at noon.
To the Editor:
I wanted to write to thank fellow Albany-area residents who generously gave of their time and means to help impact thousands of hurting kids this Christmas. Together we were able to pack 12,385 shoeboxes — filled with toys, school supplies, and basic necessities — for Operation Christmas Child.
Our packed shoebox gifts, joined by millions of others, are now on their way to needy children in 100 countries. During the 2012 collection season, Operation Christmas Child reached a milestone — since 1993, more than 100 million children have been impacted by the power of a simple gift.
I would like to thank the volunteers at our local collection sites and all those who packed an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift. For many of the children who receive these gifts, this shoebox will be the first gift they have ever received.
Although our local drop-off locations in the Albany area are closed, gifts are received year-round at Samaritan’s Purse by mailing them to 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, N.C., 28607.
There are also year-round volunteer opportunities available to serve with Operation Christmas Child. Find out how you can use your gifts and talents to make a difference in children’s lives around the world by visiting www.samaritanspurse.org or by calling the Northeast regional office at 437-0690.
Thank you again to everyone who participated in this project. A simple gift, packed with love, can communicate hope and transform the lives of children worldwide.
Gaye Newlun
Northeast Regional Director
Operation Christmas Child