Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2024 Operation Christmas Child volunteers send Christmas joy to children overseas A rea volunteers are celebrating the collection of gift-filled shoeboxes that will send a message of joy to children around the world. Thousands of volunteers contributed to Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, by packing shoeboxes filled with fun toys, school supplies and personal care items. The global Christmas project will deliver these giftfilled shoeboxes to children in more than 100 countries, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster. Each shoebox is an opportunity to share the message of the Gospel and bring hope to children in need around the world. Although drop-off locations have closed for the season, there is still time to share hope and love with children overseas by packing a gift-filled shoebox online. Shoeboxes built online go to some of the hardest-to-reach areas in the world. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement. Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 220 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. Middlesex Sheriff’s Office releases new PSA video on arrest scams T he Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) is continuing to raise awareness about ongoing arrest scams with the release of a new Public Service Announcement (PSA). The video highlights red flags to be aware of and reminds the public of ways to protect themselves and their loved ones. The MSO continues to field calls almost daily from residents targeted over the phone by scammers claiming to be members of the MSO and other law enforcement agencies. These scammers often demand payment using gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers for things like failing to appear for jury duty or pay taxes. The PSA emphasizes that legitimate law enforcement professionals: • Never contact you over the phone to pay nonexistent fines or fees for things like missing jury duty • Never request you pay fines MIDDLESEX | SEE PAGE 26
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