Vero Beach Community Welcomes Former Shoebox Recipient to Share His Story

FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2025

Vero Beach Community Welcomes Former
Shoebox Recipient to Share His Story

Vero Beach, FL
– Homeschool families and community members across the Treasure Coast are
invited to a special event hosted by Operation Christmas Child, a project of
Samaritan’s Purse. On Friday, September 25, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., Central
Assembly in Vero Beach will welcome Basit Hammad, who will share his
powerful testimony of how a simple shoebox gift he received as a child
transformed his life.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and
delivered more than 232 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in
over 170 countries and territories. For many children, this shoebox is
the first gift they have ever received. In 2025, the project aims to collect
enough shoeboxes to reach 12.6 million children worldwide.

“This is a unique opportunity for families—especially
shoebox packers—to hear firsthand how one small gift can have an eternal
impact,” said LaDonna Oney, Volunteer Area Coordinator. “Basit’s story is a
reminder that every box matters.”

Event Details:

• What: Operation Christmas Child Testimony Event featuring
  Basit Hammad
• When: Friday, September 25, 2025 – 3:00 p.m.
• Where: Central Assembly, Vero Beach, FL
• Who: Homeschool families, shoebox packers, and the
  community are invited

During National Collection Week in November, local
drop-off locations will serve as the first stop on a journey that will carry
more than 12 million shoebox gifts packed by families across the U.S. to
children in need around the world. Together with local churches overseas,
Operation Christmas Child ensures each shoebox is delivered—sometimes by boat,
airplane, train, or even elephant—along with the message of God’s love.

About Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse,
demonstrates God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world.
Working with local churches worldwide, the project shares the Good News of
Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered
more than 232 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170
countries and territories.