Operation Christmas Child is a worldwide project that is part of Samaritans Purse, it’s purpose is to aid people in disadvantaged situations, such as; natural disasters, poverty and war. Boxes are given to children that haven’t received a gift around Christmas time, between the ages of 2-14.

This year’s distribution from NSW will go to the Philippines and Cambodia. Our Orange team of volunteers have been busy loading the truck with all of the donations from Orange and surrounds.

Inside each box a child will find something to wear, something to love, something special, something for school, something to play with and something for personal hygiene.

Volunteer of 20 years, Robyn mentioned she has been a part of a ‘Distribution Trip’ which meant she got to witness first-hand the children’s reactions.

“You can see that they get so excited, the children are sitting in their rows of their classes at school, the boxes are handed to them, they are explained that they have to sit and wait, once everyone has their boxes, they count down in their local language 3,2,1 and then they open their boxes, there are screams of delight, great big smiles, the kids are trying on their hats, their scarves, cuddling toys, blowing whistles, holding up clothes, just talking about it I get tingles down my spine,” Robyn smiled. “It’s a very exciting time, you ever see the parents who are on the outside getting excited.”

20 volunteers have been giving their time alongside the help of the 2nd Orange Scouts and Cubs, giving their time to pack boxes.

“We are very grateful for all of the help from Orange and surrounding districts, we wouldn’t be able to do it if we didn’t have volunteers and people donating items.”

Donations are happily accepted year-round, if you would like to donate please contact Robyn on 0427 653 431. To find out more head to operationchristmaschild.org.au