A shoe box filled with gifts can go to children from an underprivileged area in our Asia-Pacific region.

This shoe box can change the life of a child, and maybe even the family and community.

Filled shoe boxes are sent from 11 countries to 129 countries worldwide.

Boxes from Australasia (Australia and New Zealand) are sent mainly to Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Vanuatu, Cambodia, Fiji and Thailand.

Last year some of our boxes actually went for the first time to Madagascar.

A filled box typically contains: something to love (maybe a knitted teddy bear); something for schoolwork (an exercise book and a pencil case with pencils, eraser, sharpener maybe); some item of clothing (thongs or a knitted beanie); something for hygiene (face washer, toothbrush and soap perhaps); a toy to play with (yo yos and balls are awesome); “something special” (could be a photo of you and your family), and $10 covers the cost of each box, which is the program administration cost required per box.

Boxes are sent to boys and girls between aged two to 14. When packing a box, think about whether you want to prepare the box for a boy or a girl and then think about the age group. Age groups are 2-4, 5-9 and 10-14.

Everyone can be a winner. It’s fun filling a shoe box, or joining in a group that fills shoe boxes. The child who has probably never received a gift will be thrilled and the family of that child can be moved with hope and joy for the child and for themselves.

The whole community can be embraced with that joy and hope for the future that someone cares.

The Operation Christmas Child group will hold an afternoon tea on Thursday, June 21 from 2pm at the Red Door Hall, St John’s Church, Page Street, Moruya. Entry is free.

If you would like to find out more you can phone Liz Fisher on 4471 7675, or email a2fisher@bigpond.net.au or phone Pauline Brook on 0402 064 817 or email paulinebrook1@bigpond.com.