By BRITTANY PIASENTIN
ONE thousand children from disadvantaged countries will receive gifts in shoeboxes this Christmas thanks to Operation Christmas Child at TurningPoint Family Church.
TurningPoint administrative officer Denyse Parker says the Cranbourne church is delighted to have received so many generous donations and is excited to send 1000 shoeboxes off to Samaritan’s Purse in its 10th year of supporting the cause.
“We are so proud that 1000 children will benefit from the joy of receiving Christmas gifts this year, a joy that they would not have experienced,” she said.
The church wishes to thank everyone who donated to the cause and hope to better the number in the future.
“Pastor Phil aims for 1200 next year,” Ms Parker said.
Children in South-East Asia and the South Pacific receive boxes filled with something to love, something for school, something to wear, something to play with, something for personal hygiene and something special on Christmas.
“We have received things like soft toys, soaps, clothing like T-shirts, pens, pencils and puzzle books,” Ms Parker said.
Samaritan’s Purse International Relief Organisation have sent more than 100 million shoeboxes to more than 130 countries since 1993 and hopes to send 320,000 boxes this year.
Donations are now closed and the large pile of shoeboxes will be sent off this week.
