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News
Archive - Article 52
Merry Christmas America 2002 Distributes to Record Numbers
1/3/03
 Beginning
in late October and ending on December 19th, Operation Compassion’s
fleet of semis were busy crisscrossing the country delivering food,
drinks, toys, stocking stuffers, hygiene articles and clothing to
the Merry Christmas America 2002 partners. From North Carolina to
California, North Dakota to New Mexico, in metropolitan areas and
small towns, Operation Compassion’s partners were busy establishing
Christmas programs unique to the needs of their communities.
 Each
partner received a semi loaded with food, drinks, candy, chips and
boxes for about 380 families. Each box weighed between 50-60 pounds.
There were enough chips, drinks and candy for each partner to have
a special event or party for the community. Also included were enough
toys and stocking stuffers for each child to receive five each.
As a special bonus, each semi had five Roadmaster 26” Bicycles
each one valued at $750.00.
 Because
of all the hard work produced by everyone involved over 122,000
children received Christmas gifts that would have been without.
More than 10,000 hot meals were served and over 30,000 families
received food boxes. At least 500 first time conversions have also
been reported.
 The
success of Merry Christmas America 2002 came from twenty-five events
hosted by churches and community agencies that helped purchase the
products and pay for the shipping costs. Another seventy-five parties
were direct partnerships through Operation Compassion Distribution
Centers.
 During
the Christmas season there are always people that have a story to
tell.
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There was a mother
with an autistic child that always wanted her son to learn
to ride a bicycle but could never afford. However,
this Christmas at one of the church sponsored parties, a
drawing was held for one of the five Roadmaster bicycles and
her son’s
name was called. That mother saw that bicycle as a confirmation
from the Lord that her desire for her son would come to pass.
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Then there was the family with three children and they had
not had new shoes in almost two years but this year all three
received
brand new Nike’ brand shoes from one of the church
sponsored events.
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In one town, the mayor got involved by selecting an extremely
poor family that would have had nothing, no toys, no candy,
no food,
nothing for Christmas. Yet, they received the food box, toys,
candy and other snack foods plus were selected through a drawing
for
one of the Roadmaster bicycles.
Merry Christmas America 2002
will be remembered for the impact a little food and some toys
made on the lives of many and that
the Christ of Christmas can be celebrated through tinsel.
Tim Burdashaw
Communications
Anyone interested in donating finances or products or providing
a corporate lead may contact:
Operation Compassion
David Lorency, President
114 Stuart Road, NE
Suite 370
Cleveland, TN 37312
423.728.3932 - Office
423.596.4200 - Fax
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