SIR, – On behalf of Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child, I would like to convey my heartfelt thanks to the many churches, schools, organisations and numerous individuals who were involved this year in packing a shoebox for a child in need.

Each child is special and they will receive only one shoebox of gifts once in their life. This gift will bring immediate joy and hope to the child and may open up opportunities they had never dreamed of.

Samaritan’s Purse can then assess the needs of the community such as safe, clean water, education, health and community empowerment projects and implement programs where possible.

We had a very different year this year, but even so the generosity of so many people was phenomenal. I sent 1836 shoeboxes from our region to Melbourne, which are now being processed up in Sydney. 

These boxes will be going to Cambodia, Fiji, Malawi or Madagascar. In total Victoria collected around 20,000 shoeboxes.

All of our team would like to give a huge thank you to each person who took the time to become involved either by packing a shoebox or donating goods or money. 

Thank you also to the many people who made beautiful handmade items for the boxes.

We look forward to working with you all again next year. Remember, you can collect items all year round. For further information please refer to our website, samaritanspurse.org.au

Ann Rohde

Area co-ordinator

The entire January 13, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!