Gratitude for Odessa's help at Christmas time

To the Editor:

I am writing to thank Odessa residents for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with children in need this past holiday season.

Because of the generosity of donors in Odessa and across the United States, Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, collected more than 8.9 million shoebox gifts in 2019. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2019, the ministry is now sending 10,569,405 shoebox gifts to children worldwide.

Through shoeboxes—packed with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items—Odessa volunteers brought joy to children in need a...