Our San Juan islanders have once again brought joy to the hearts of children around the world, who otherwise would have no Christmas.

Operation Christmas Child received 186 shoeboxes from our island that will be part of over 10 million gifts sent to children in over 140 countries.

Special thanks goes to the Presbyterian Church for being the collection site, and for their cheerful help coordinating this event.

Thanks also go to the lovely ladies at Kings, for saving and bagging so many shoeboxes, Yvonne at the post office for the special cartons, and the helpful staff at Key Bank for storing bags of wrapped boxes for several months.

Friday Harbor Drug donated many items for these boxes, with the help of Christine and Tracy.

Joe Friday’s Shirt Co., the Toy Box, and Osito’s also gave their support. Friday Harbor Freight cheerfully completed this project by delivering the boxes to the collection site in Burlington, a contribution they have made for many, many years.

God bless all of you who helped make this project possible and may each of you experience the joy your gifts will bring to children who will be thankful for any “surprise” they receive.

Merry Christmas and thanks to all for your generous community effort.

Mary Ray, Sallee Durette, Ann Wiese/San Juan Island