The Merced County Rescue Mission wants to give a huge shout-out and thank you to Sandra Betschart and the Educational Services Sunshine Committee who coordinated efforts by the Merced County Office of Education employees to put together 250 shoeboxes with toys for boys and girls in our community. Debbie Barcelos of the Hilmar School District worked with students there to wrap many of the boxes. These boxes, marked for either boys or girls and by age groups, were distributed before Christmas to many children in our community. Sandra expressed that “it is quite a bit of work to get to the point of pack out, but in the end we are overjoyed to be able to bless some child that may not otherwise receive a gift.” Being a blessing to others is what we are all about, and the Rescue Mission is delighted to collaborate with the Merced County Office of Education employees to bless children in our community.