Bringing Christmas joy to youngsters far away

By Andrew Paloczi

OPERATION Christmas Child is underway in South Gippsland and Bass Coast Shires, with local churches, community organisations and individuals pitching in to brighten the lives of children in need overseas.

Leongatha’s Doreen Western is passionate about Operation Christmas Child, continuing to volunteer as its coordinator for the South Gippsland area, a role she started about 15 years ago.

The area she oversees includes Wonthaggi, Inverloch, Tarwin Lower, Meeniyan, Leongatha, Korumburra, Poowong and Foster. 

Operation Christmas Child initiative involves filling a shoebox with gifts such as toys, school supplies and hygiene items.

Last year, despite the challenges presented by COVID restrictions, South Gippsland and Bass Coast locals donated over 700 boxes of goods, with distribution plans altered to ensure they reached overseas communities.

Children in Madagascar were among the beneficiaries of Gippslanders’ generosity.

Cambodian youngsters are certain to receive boxes this year as is normally the case, with different villages chosen from year to year.

Doreen said some usually go to nearby Pacific locations such as Fiji and the Solomon Islands.

The number of shoeboxes of items donated each year is usually over 1000. 

While Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian organisation based in Australia and New Zealand and providing relief in many countries, Doreen explained recipients don’t need to be Christians.

“They tell the Christmas story before giving the gifts but it’s unconditional, and it’s sharing our love and God’s love with them,” she said.

The Operation is also non-denominational, with a range of churches assisting.

Leongatha Primary School and St Laurence O’Toole Primary School are among the organisations joining in this year’s Operation.

While Christmas seems a long way off, the deadline for donating to the Operation is fast approaching, with shoeboxes of items needing to be received by the first week in October.

Donated shoe boxes of goods will be packed into cartons in Korumburra before transportation to Melbourne where their distribution overseas will be arranged.

Christmas-themed shoeboxes ideal for Operation Christmas Child can be purchased for just 50 cents each at Leongatha’s New Beginnings bookshop, and filled boxes can be returned there.

Information brochures are also available, providing guidance on the types of items that can be donated. 

Toy guns are not accepted as shoeboxes may be distributed to countries affected by recent wars.

Scary items and anything that may leak in transit is also unsuitable.

Details are also provided for making a monetary donation, with a donation of $10 per box described as “essential to cover shipping and other project costs”.

Shoeboxes must be clearly labelled, with your chosen age category and whether your gift is for a boy or girl.

Those donating can choose whether to tailor the contents of their shoebox to a boy or a girl.

It is also necessary to pick an age group, with those being 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14.

Doreen is happy to answer any questions about Operation Christmas Child and can be contacted by emailing westerndoreen@gmail.com or calling 5662 3859.