The aim of this appeal is to send a little happiness and cheer to those children of the world who are less fortunate than us – many of whom have never received a gift. Last year, over 270,883 children in countries like Vietnam, New Guinea, Fiji, Cambodia, Thailand and the Solomons received shoeboxes from Australian families.

So why not take up the challenge? While you are enjoying the privileges of our country’s wealth, browsing the shops, why not pick up something extra which might bring delight to a child in one of the poor countries neighbouring Australia? They have so little, and we have so much. Send a bit of Christian love to show we care.

To fill a shoebox, have a child in mind (boy/girl, pick an age group) and look for:

• something to play with (teddy, game)
• something educational (pencils, paper, book)
• something to wear (Tshirt, cap, thongs)
• toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, wrapped soap)

Then, either collect a box from the school library, or wrap a shoe box with colourful paper, and include a cheque for $8 (to cover transport costs), and maybe a photo of yourself to say ‘Hi!’

Boxes will be collected all Term 3 ready for delivery to distributors later in the year. See Library staff for more details and advice on packing. See also the page on OCC in the right hand menu, and details from the Samaritan’s Purse website.