Staff Reports
The holiday shopping season is bustling, and this year, Black Friday has set a new record for online sales, hitting a whopping $11.8 billion! That’s a 9.1% increase from last year, showing that shoppers across the United States know exactly where to put their dollars — on everything from Lego sets to Apple AirPods. It seems everyone had their shopping lists ready and checked twice before diving into the online sales frenzy. But one question remains: just how much did folks save this year? It’s a bit of a mystery that hasn’t been revealed.
Among the hottest items flying off virtual shelves this Black Friday were Lego sets, Pokémon cards, and, of course, those coveted KitchenAid mixers. Whether kids were dreaming of becoming master builders or adults were whipping up holiday treats, the shopping spirit was alive and well. It’s always exciting to see what trending items make the cut each year, but perhaps the most heartwarming aspect of the season is the spirit of giving that accompanies it.
As the holiday season approaches, there is another important event taking place that warms hearts even more than hot cocoa: Operation Christmas Child, organized by Samaritan’s Purse. This initiative spreads joy and cheer to children around the globe who might not otherwise receive gifts. The president of Samaritan’s Purse, Reverend Franklin Graham, shared some incredible statistics, noting that the organization distributed 12.6 million shoeboxes this year alone. Incredible, right? Since its inception in 1993, they have delivered over 230 million gifts to children across about 130 countries.
These shoeboxes are not just filled with toys and goodies; they represent a promise that someone cares. Many of those who receive these gifts live in areas that have been hit hard by disasters, like the recent hurricane in Jamaica that affected countless families. With a network of over 250 churches in Jamaica alone, Samaritan’s Purse ensures that these gifts reach the children who need them the most, helping them feel loved and remembered during turbulent times. The organization truly embodies the holiday spirit by demonstrating that love comes in many forms, even inside a tiny shoebox.
In addition to Operation Christmas Child, the work of Samaritan’s Purse extends beyond just gifting. Reverend Graham highlighted their efforts in rebuilding homes for families affected by natural disasters. After witnessing a heartbreaking story of a couple who had lost hope after a devastating hurricane, the organization stepped in to build them a new home. In just four months, they transformed this couple’s bleak situation into one filled with hope and joy by constructing a beautiful two-bedroom home in Minneapolis, North Carolina. Talk about some major holiday cheer!
As the holiday season unfolds, it serves as a reminder that shopping isn’t the only way to spread goodwill. While shoppers propel into the cyber aisles hunting for the best deals, many in the community are also gearing up for charitable missions that impact lives far and wide. So, whether it’s filling a shoebox for a child in need or simply making a conscious effort to give back this season, everyone can participate in the true spirit of the holidays.
