Packaging Christmas joy

LEONGATHA Primary School was a hive of industry recently, with students teaming up to pack special shoeboxes with items to bring joy to other youngsters far away, with the effort part of Operation Christmas Child. 

Passionate local volunteer Doreen Western enjoyed supervising the enthusiastic band of workers as they sorted items into categories, ‘assembled’ shoeboxes from flatform and selected items to fill them.

The boxes contained a mix of fun and practicality.

There were toys, including soft toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and clothing, all donated from people across the school community over a five-week period.

Ruby was one of the eager student crew.

“I liked making the boxes and it’s fun collecting stuff to put in them,” she said.

Grade 2 student Jhett also enjoyed helping out and selecting the contents of each box he packed.

“I love going around and choosing and it makes you feel good because you’re helping people,” he said.

Many of the gift-filled shoeboxes will go to young people in need in Cambodia, with some destined for Fiji and Thailand. 

Student Representative Council teacher Joel Cahir spoke about the importance to the students of being involved in Operation Christmas Child.

“It’s been good to see the kids get onboard and understand that they have a little bit more than other kids around the world, and they’re lucky to have schooling and a roof over their heads,” Joel said.

Operation Christmas Child is run by Samaritan’s Purse, a non-profit Christian organisation providing relief and development assistance to people suffering around the world, regardless of their religious backgrounds.