By participating in Operation Christmas Child and packing a Christmas box you have the power the help a child in desperate need.

In 2009 over 306,000 shoeboxes were filled and sent from Australia to children around the world through Samaritan’s Purse.

The boxes find children that have been abandoned, live in poverty, or suffer because of war or disease

in places such as Papua New Guinea and Cambodia.

In 2009 130 boxes were sent from Crookwell and this year organisers are looking for an increase.

“In 2009 were experienced a steady growth from the previous year,” said organizer Sue Reedy.

“This was mainly by word of mouth. Hopefully we will see another increase this year.”

The shoeboxes are filled with Christmas gifts - something to love like a teddy bear, something for school such as a pencil case and something to play with like a yo-yo.

Of course clothing, sandals, thongs and underwear are also wonderful ideas as are soaps, hairclips or face washers.

Packing a box and sending it is easy. Sue has the boxes readily available.

All you have to do is determine if a boy or girl will receive your gift and the age of the child who will receive your box (Sue will also provide you with the correct labeling). Then fill the box with a variety of simple gifts that will bring delight to a child. And finally put a donation of $9 in an envelope to cover postage.

“If you are not in a position to out $9 in for postage, we will take the boxes anyway.

“Everything makes a difference,” said Sue.

Boxes need to be packed and back to Sue ready to send by the start of October. For more information or to talk to Sue call 48322153 or 0408 488 434.

A shoebox stuffed with gifts won’t solve all these children’s problems, but for that one moment it brings joy and that is the power of a simple gift.