Dear Editor:Thanks to the generous efforts of Long Beach-area residents, thousands of hurting children worldwide had the opportunity to experience the joy of Christmas. Residents joined Operation Christmas Child, the world's largest Christmas project of its kind, to pack 1,671 shoe boxes with toys, school supplies and necessity items. These gift-filled shoe boxes are making their way - or have already made their way - into the hands of needy children in 100 receiving countries. On behalf of our community, I would like to thank the volunteers at local collection sites and everyone who packed an Operation Christmas Child shoe box gift. For many of the children receiving these boxes, the simple shoe box will be the first gift they have ever received. Although the Long Beach drop-off location is closed until November 2012, gifts are received throughout the year at Samaritan's Purse, 801 Bamboo Rd., Boone, N.C., 28607. If you would like to get involved year-round in helping children in need through Operation Christmas Child, go online to samaritanspurse.org/occ or call (714) 432-7030. Thanks again to everyone who participated in this project. A simple gift, packed with love, can communicate hop and transform the lives of children worldwide! -- Jennifer Trevithick, West Coast Regional Director Operation Christmas Child

********** Published: February 2, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 42