General News
30 May, 2024
Box up goodies for kids
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child (OCC) has given 220 million shoe boxes filled with gifts to underprivileged children across the world, and will once again be welcomed locally with a community event. Volunteers Cheryl Howlett and Cheryl Walker...
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child (OCC) has given 220 million shoe boxes filled with gifts to underprivileged children across the world, and will once again be welcomed locally with a community event.
Volunteers Cheryl Howlett and Cheryl Walker are running the global initiative in Maryborough, asking donors to include personal care items, school supplies, clothing, crafts and toys to be gifted to boys and girls aged between two to 14.
Last year over 32,000 boxes were packed in Victoria, with the majority of gifts going to children in Cambodia, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.
Ms Howlett said the initiative can put a smile on the faces of recipients.
“It’s a project that allows children to know that somebody out there cares about them because most of them have never received such gifts,” she said.
“It is a special feeling for the children when they hear that someone from another country that they don’t even know is nice enough to do that for them.
“In 2017, I went to Fiji to see the boxes being given out and that was a lovely experience to actually see what happens when these kids receive these boxes and how grateful they are.
“Sometimes you even meet somebody that volunteers and they explain how they have come here to live and years ago they received a shoe box and how it was a wonderful thing for them.”
The upcoming event will provide the opportunity for residents to pick up boxes and brochures as well as enjoy some devonshire tea and a silent auction.
As local volunteers hope to donate around 500 boxes with the help of the community, Ms Howlett said she is excited to see fresh and returning faces get involved in creating a special moment for children across the world.
“The event that we have coming up is for all the people who regularly donate and for people who want to donate for the first time,” she said.
“People can have a cup of tea, enjoy the silent auction and pick up the amount of shoe boxes they want to donate and all the information they need to be able to donate.
“If somebody new wants to come along and wants to support, we will be more than happy to help them through it and we hope to see a few new people there.”
The event will be held at the Maryborough Church of Christ Hall in Inkerman Street on Saturday, June 15 at 2 pm.
Any A4 size box is acceptable for the donation, with pre-printed boxes available for $1 at the free event or you can collect shoe boxes from Hartwell’s Shoes if available.
Food, liquids, breakable and dangerous items are not allowed to be donated. All boxes are due for collection by early October. For more information, contact Cheryl Howlett on 0419 533 370 or Cheryl Walker on 0427 991 698