AFA–Operation Christmas Child

Dear Mikey Weinstein

I just read the article in the Gazette about Operation Christmas Child. A few years ago, when I first heard of this organization, I wanted to help. I was a single mother of a young child and I didn’t have much, but I wanted to help–this shoe box was going to children who had nothing.

But after I contacted the local origination and received all the information, I backed out. I couldn’t afford to pay a fee to have the box delivered and also pay for everything that I put into the box. Then I found out that along with the box I was going to send, the organization was going to open my box and include a religious message. I have a problem with giving a religious message in order for the kids to receive the shoe box of toys. How do we know what religion and beliefs their families have?

I also wonder why this organization requires a $7 per box “donation”. It seems like a lot of money to ship a shoe box, especially when they are shipping hundreds to the same area.

I question the salary of $473,440 (in 2009) of W. Franklin Graham III (oldest son of Billy Graham) according to the Charity Navigator

According to their website “Vulnerable children are rescued, educated, fed, clothed, and sheltered, letting them know that God loves them, Jesus died and rose again for them, and they are not forgotten.”

Thank you for bringing up this matter. I understand your objection to who is promoting this at the AFA and how it is being done.

(name withheld)