Gift boxes put smiles on faces

By junior reporter Chantelle Orchard

Samaritans Purse is a non-profit organisation that co-ordinates the sending of thousands of gift-filled shoeboxes to children in Third World countries. Named ‘Operation Christmas Child, most recipients have never received a gift in their lives let alone regular Christmas presents. 

The last few years local organisers have had an awesome response and have sent hundreds of gift-packed shoeboxes from this area to needy kids in Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Cambodia. These boxes change many lives and even whole communities as the children realise that there’s someone out there who cares enough about them to send a present. 

Packing a shoebox is easy and so much fun! First pick up a box (or wrap your own) and pamphlet from one of the shops listed below and choose whether your box is for a boy or girl, and what age. 

Then comes the exciting part, filling your box! Fill it well with toys, clothes, books, and a large helping of love! Make sure you read the pamphlet to find out what should or shouldn’t put in. Kids always love a card and a picture of you – it’s something they’ll cherish all their lives so you might like to put one in too. Drop your box back to one of the shops listed below before Labour Weekend, October 19 to ensure your precious box reaches its child. 

Thank you to everyone who has participated in some way in previous years – your time and efforts are really appreciated. Our area sent 369 boxes last year – awesome! Please take this chance to impact a child’s life forever.