Thank you for your generosity

Dear Editor, I am writing to thank Ellsworth-area residents for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with children in need this past holiday season.

Generosity throughout contributed to a successful shoebox gift collection season at drop-off locations for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child. Across the U.S., the project collected over 9.3 million shoebox gifts in 2022. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2022, the ministry is now sending nearly 10.6 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide.

Through shoeboxes — packed with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items — Ellswortharea volunteers brought joy to children in need around the world. Each gift-filled shoebox is a tangible expression of God’s love, and it is often the first gift these children have ever received. Through the continued generosity of donors since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 209 million giftfilled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. This year, Samaritan’s Purse delivered its milestone 200 millionth shoebox, which was packed on a country-wide tour and then hand-delivered to a young girl in Ukraine.

Across Kansas, shoebox packers often shop for deals on shoebox items throughout the year, and many serve at a deeper level by becoming a yearround volunteer. Information about ways area participants can get involved year-round can also be found at samaritanspurse.org/occ or by calling (816) 622-8316.

Although local drop-off locations for gifts are closed until Nov. 13-20, 2023, anyone can still be a part of this life-changing project by conveniently packing a shoebox gift online in just a few simple clicks at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline.

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

Sincerely, Casey Goodwin Samaritan’s Purse, Media Relations Specialist, Operation Christmas Child

Editor shares thanks

I realize it’s uncommon for the editor/publisher to pen a “letter to the editor,” but I would like to extend a hearty thank you to our local post office, and figured this would be an appropriate place to do so.

One of our staff members had a parent pass away recently. This staffer usually takes the newspapers to the post office, but for obvious reasons, wouldn’t be at work. I was out of town for meetings, and picked up the phone to call the Ellsworth Post Office. I quickly explained the situation and asked if they would be willing to assist in getting the newspapers from our office to their building. They graciously agreed.

This isn’t the first time we’ve had a little help from our friends at the local post office. When we mailed our county-wide edition, we had an entire delivery van filled to the brim with papers. An employee agreed to meet us after hours to accommodate the high volume we were mailing.

Our newspaper relies heavily on the mail service for delivery, and I am thankful we have understanding, collaborative professionals in Ellsworth who help us out.

Thank you so much! We couldn’t do it without you.

Sincerely, Karen Bonar Editor/Publisher