Pack a Shoebox and Bring Joy to a Child in Need
Participating in the Operation Christmas Child initiative by packing shoeboxes is a cherished tradition in our community that extends warmth and generosity to children across the globe.
The shoebox tradition
The concept behind packing a shoebox is simple yet impactful. Each box, filled with gifts and essentials, is a beacon of hope for children who might otherwise have little during festive times.
These shoeboxes travel thousands of miles to bring smiles to children in remote areas, refugee camps, or disaster-stricken zones, showing the immense power of a small, heartfelt gesture.
In each of these acts, we serve Christ by extending His love and compassion to those in need, embodying the Christian spirit of giving and community.
Commitment
For many years, our Shoebox Team has been at the forefront of this packing effort. Their dedication to finding just the right items to fill each box, and their encouragement of others to contribute time and resources has significantly amplified the reach and emotional impact of this initiative.
Under their guidance, the process of packing shoeboxes has not only been about giving but about bringing our church community together in a shared mission of kindness.
How to pack a shoebox
Packing a shoebox involves choosing a standard-size shoebox, deciding whether the gift will be for a boy or a girl, and selecting an appropriate age category.
It’s important to fill the shoebox with a thoughtful mix of fun and utility: toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and perhaps a personal note. Avoid any perishable goods, liquids, or items related to violence, as these can cause complications during shipping and distribution.
Each item is carefully chosen to ensure it brings joy and serves a practical purpose in the child’s daily life. As we select these gifts, we are reminded that we are not just sending a box, but serving as Christ’s hands, reaching out to uplift little ones across the globe.
Why every shoebox matters
The journey of each shoebox is a testament to the generosity of our community. As these gifts make their way to children around the world, they carry with them messages of hope and love.
Our Op Shop has gifted funds for the shipping costs of our Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes. Shipping costs approximately $10 per box, and when they reach a country the boxes have to be carried by camels across the desert to reach some children.
It’s about more than just the physical items within each shoebox. It’s about the connection and joy that these gifts represent.
Get involved
As we continue this impactful work, we encourage everyone to join in. Whether you can donate items, help with packing, or simply spread the word, every little bit helps.
Working together with Operation Christmas Child, and guided by our dedicated Shoebox Team, we can ensure that our shoeboxes are packed with care and ready to bring smiles to children’s faces during the holiday season.
In 2025, generous hands across Australia and New Zealand sent 138,110 shoeboxes to children in Cambodia. One of those children was Vanna. When she opened her box, she found exactly the kind of treasures a child dreams of — school supplies, a doll, a toothbrush, and a soft toy.
But it was a small booklet tucked inside, The Greatest Gift, that would change everything. She came to know Jesus, and He changed her — so much that her family believed, and her friends and others in the village too.