Donors could still contribute said Sue Reedy, and the cutoff date is extended until October 26.

Some of the items 'Operation Christmas Child', has received include; home-made dresses, hats, library bags, pencil bags, teddy bears, soap bags, and beanies. 

Many of these have been crafted by the residents of Viewhaven who used skills mastered over a lifetime.

"Out came wool, knitting needles, crochet hooks, scissors, pins, needles, elastics, fabrics, even the overlocker," said Debbie Lewis.

19 residents have been involved aged between 70 and 98. They overcame physical barriers to complete the work, it has given them a sense of purpose, said Debbie.

The project has allowed them to join people around the world who are also working on it, she added.

The Samaritans Purse will send the boxes from NSW to impoverished children in the Philippines, and Cambodia in South-East Asia.

“Last year, Crookwell sent 467 boxes,” Mrs Reedy said.

I couldn't have done it without the community's generosity, she said.

"It is very much a community event that involves the churches, schools, and both groups and individuals.

"They all support it in various ways, people are very generous with their sewing and donations of money and items."

People can contribute; “something to wear, something to love, something for school, something for hygiene, something to play with,” in each box, or donate postage money - $10 per box covers the costs.

The boxes are available from Duncombe & Co on Goulburn Street. 

The collection date cut-off is October 26, when they are sent to a processing centre for checking.

See samaritanspurse.org.au, or call Sue Reedy on 0408 488 434