Christmas is going to be just a little bit brighter for many children this year, with a record number of 119 shoeboxes compiled by our primary students, staff and parents from the College, along with a further 18 boxes from parishioners, all destined for underprivileged homes around the world.
“It has been a massive effort by everyone,” said Peta Somma, who coordinates Operation Christmas Child for Samaritan’s Purse with the College and Parish each year. “We have piles and piles of them this time – it’s wonderful!”
The shoeboxes each contain something to wear, to love and to play with, as well as something for school, something for hygiene, and a photo or short note from the giver.
Operation Christmas Child Coordinator, Maryka Gullen, who collected the boxes on Tuesday, was overwhelmed by the generous donations. She said the boxes will make their way eventually to Vietnam and Papua New Guinea in time for Christmas.