Your cart

The Power of A Shoe Box
$0
-
+
Looks like your cart is still empty. Keep shopping.
Cart note
Subtotal
$0
Cart Total
$0
Blog

The Power of A Shoe Box

Many of us don’t understand the power of a shoe box.

Our companies believe in making a difference, especially during the holiday season. Last year, we set an ambitious goal to fill 3,000 Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes with essential items and toys for children around the world. Thanks to the dedication of our team and community, we managed to fill 2,100 shoeboxes. However, we fell short of our goal.

This year, we are determined to reach our target of filling and shipping 3,000 shoeboxes. Samaritan’s Purse estimates that it will cost us approximately $110,000 to fill and ship the 3,000 shoe boxes, and we are inviting you to participate in making this a success.  We are starting earlier this year and have made it easier for you to donate to the cause.

  1. Online Contribution: Visit our dedicated donation page on Samaritan’s Purse using the following link to contribute towards the shipping costs of 3000 boxes, estimated to be $30,000.  US Companies Operation Christmas Child 2024's fundraising page for Samaritan's Purse (samaritanspurse.org)
  1. Invoice Contribution: When making a purchase from us, you can choose to have a line item added to your invoice for an Operation Christmas Child contribution.  This contribution will go directly to covering the costs of filling the shoeboxes with items for the children. Simply ask your sales contact to add an OCC line item to your invoice.
  1. Discount Contribution: As a valued vendor, you have the unique opportunity to contribute by offering a discount on the invoices being paid to you by us. This discount will be applied as a contribution towards the Operation Christmas Child (OCC) project, helping us fill and ship more shoeboxes. If you would like to participate, please let us know and have the discount to our invoice labeled as "OCC"

A Story of Hope: From Sudan to Smiles

You may remember receiving an email last year with the story of Abraham, an employee of US Duct/US Metal Crafters, whose life was profoundly touched by a simple shoebox. Abraham, who now lives in High Point, NC, experienced unimaginable hardship as a child and understands the power of a shoebox more than we can imagine.

Child holding books on head

In 1987, at just five years old, Abraham was forced to flee his home in war-torn Sudan. Alongside countless other "lost boys," he embarked on a harrowing journey, walking hundreds of miles to reach safety in refugee camps. For years, Abraham lived in these camps under dire conditions, with little food, shelter, or hope. But in December 1995, his life took a miraculous turn.

On a day like any other, filled with the usual struggles of refugee life, a stranger handed Abraham a shoebox and said, "Merry Christmas." Inside that shoebox were simple items—a few pencils, a toothbrush, some paper—but to Abraham, they were treasures. These small gifts brought him immense joy and a sense of belonging he hadn't felt in years. They were a tangible reminder that somewhere, someone cared about him.

Now, 29 years later, Abraham is a father of four, living a fulfilling life in the United States. He never forgot the impact of that shoebox, and he continues to give back by supporting Operation Christmas Child. Abraham's story is a testament to the lasting impact of a small act of kindness.  Abraham was even featured on the local news and shared his story.

Please take a few minutes to watch his story at:  https://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/high-point/high-point-man-shares-how-operation-christmas-child-shoe-box-changed-his-life/

Join Us in Spreading Joy and Hope

This year, we invite you to join us in our mission to bring joy to 3,000 children like Abraham. We will be filling and packing the boxes again on site in November, and your contribution will help us put these shoeboxes in the hands of children around the world. Each box is filled with essential items and gifts that can transform a child's life, offering hope and a reminder that they are not forgotten.

Your support will help us create countless smiles and bring hope to children facing unimaginable challenges. Please consider contributing today to help us reach our goal. Together, we can make a difference, one shoebox at a time.

Thank you for your generosity and for helping us spread the true spirit of Christmas.

- Steve McDaniel, President

A note for our vendors: Feel free to donate via check or a discount on an upcoming invoice. If you choose to donate via discounted invoice, please state “Operation Christmas Child” and the amount on the invoice.

Considerations for Replacing or Upgrading Your Industrial Ductwork System

When companies add or relocate production equipment, they often focus on electrical requirements while overlooking the critical role of properly designed dust collection ductwork. Poorly sized or configured duct systems can lead to dust accumulation on equipment, products, within ductwork, and even in workers' lungs, creating operational and safety risks. Unlike electrical upgrades, duct modifications require specialized knowledge of airflow, dust transport, and collection system design. Many facility owners struggle with questions about system capacity, costs, equipment changes, and optimal performance. The key to a successful solution is partnering with a ducting and dust collection expert who can evaluate production equipment, material characteristics, and existing system challenges to design an efficient, cost-effective dust collection system that supports long-term operational needs.

Dustek Product Line: Solving Everyday Shop Dust Problems

The Dustek Product Line provides practical, flexible dust collection solutions for startups, growing manufacturers, and established businesses that need efficient dust and waste management without the complexity of large centralized systems. Designed for applications such as woodworking, fabrication, plastics processing, agricultural operations, and OEM equipment integration, Dustek systems help address common shop challenges including airborne dust, housekeeping demands, equipment wear, and workspace cleanliness. With compact designs, easy integration, scalability, and reduced maintenance requirements, Dustek solutions support cleaner, safer, and more productive work environments while allowing facilities to grow and adapt over time.
Clamp-together dust collection ductwork system installed in an industrial facility with adjustable duct sections, branches, and collection points.
Jun 4, 2026

How Contractors Can Reduce Installation Time on Dust Collection Projects

Contractors can reduce installation time, labor costs, and jobsite delays on dust collection projects by using modular clamp-together ductwork, pre-engineered components, and accurate system planning. Learn how adjustable duct systems simplify installation, minimize field fabrication, and help crews complete projects faster with fewer callbacks.

Talk to a Duct Guy or Gal

Get started on a solution tailored to your needs, or explore our range of inline separators, self-dumping hoppers, and baghouses for even more ways to optimize your workspace.