The Power of A Shoe Box

Many of us don’t understand the power of a shoe box.

Our companies believe in making a difference, especially during the holiday season. Last year, we set an ambitious goal to fill 3,000 Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes with essential items and toys for children around the world. Thanks to the dedication of our team and community, we managed to fill 2,100 shoeboxes. However, we fell short of our goal.

This year, we are determined to reach our target of filling and shipping 3,000 shoeboxes. Samaritan’s Purse estimates that it will cost us approximately $110,000 to fill and ship the 3,000 shoe boxes, and we are inviting you to participate in making this a success.  We are starting earlier this year and have made it easier for you to donate to the cause.

1. Online Contribution: Visit our dedicated donation page on Samaritan’s Purse using the following link to contribute towards the shipping costs of 3000 boxes, estimated to be $30,000.  US Companies Operation Christmas Child 2024's fundraising page for Samaritan's Purse (samaritanspurse.org)

2. Invoice Contribution: When making a purchase from us, you can choose to have a line item added to your invoice for an Operation Christmas Child contribution.  This contribution will go directly to covering the costs of filling the shoeboxes with items for the children. Simply ask your sales contact to add an OCC line item to your invoice.

3. Discount Contribution: As a valued vendor, you have the unique opportunity to contribute by offering a discount on the invoices being paid to you by us. This discount will be applied as a contribution towards the Operation Christmas Child (OCC) project, helping us fill and ship more shoeboxes. If you would like to participate, please let us know and have the discount to our invoice labeled as "OCC"

A Story of Hope: From Sudan to Smiles

You may remember receiving an email last year with the story of Abraham, an employee of US Duct/US Metal Crafters, whose life was profoundly touched by a simple shoebox. Abraham, who now lives in High Point, NC, experienced unimaginable hardship as a child and understands the power of a shoebox more than we can imagine.

In 1987, at just five years old, Abraham was forced to flee his home in war-torn Sudan. Alongside countless other "lost boys," he embarked on a harrowing journey, walking hundreds of miles to reach safety in refugee camps. For years, Abraham lived in these camps under dire conditions, with little food, shelter, or hope. But in December 1995, his life took a miraculous turn.

On a day like any other, filled with the usual struggles of refugee life, a stranger handed Abraham a shoebox and said, "Merry Christmas." Inside that shoebox were simple items—a few pencils, a toothbrush, some paper—but to Abraham, they were treasures. These small gifts brought him immense joy and a sense of belonging he hadn't felt in years. They were a tangible reminder that somewhere, someone cared about him.

Now, 29 years later, Abraham is a father of four, living a fulfilling life in the United States. He never forgot the impact of that shoebox, and he continues to give back by supporting Operation Christmas Child. Abraham's story is a testament to the lasting impact of a small act of kindness.  Abraham was even featured on the local news and shared his story.

Please take a few minutes to watch his story at:  https://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/high-point/high-point-man-shares-how-operation-christmas-child-shoe-box-changed-his-life/

Join Us in Spreading Joy and Hope

This year, we invite you to join us in our mission to bring joy to 3,000 children like Abraham. We will be filling and packing the boxes again on site in November, and your contribution will help us put these shoeboxes in the hands of children around the world. Each box is filled with essential items and gifts that can transform a child's life, offering hope and a reminder that they are not forgotten.

Your support will help us create countless smiles and bring hope to children facing unimaginable challenges. Please consider contributing today to help us reach our goal. Together, we can make a difference, one shoebox at a time.

Thank you for your generosity and for helping us spread the true spirit of Christmas.

- Steve McDaniel, President

A note for our vendors: Feel free to donate via check or a discount on an upcoming invoice. If you choose to donate via discounted invoice, please state “Operation Christmas Child” and the amount on the invoice.

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