Joy in a box for children in need

ONE-hundred and fifty-five local children in need will each receive a shoe-box of gifts this Christmas as a result of the Boxes of Joy campaign.

Twelve volunteers from the YMCA and wider Ballarat gathered at the Delacombe Community Hub to fill and wrap boxes of donated presents on Saturday.

Jessy Malham, the founder of Boxes of Joy, said the campaign is “so much fun,” getting an active item in each box –a ball, frisbee or skipping rope – and “promoting healthy living.”

She started the operation four years ago and has been delivering to a range of agencies within Ballarat who support babies through to late teenagers.

Director of YMCA Community and Youth Management, Stacey Oliver said it’s a “very heart-warming” project.

“Looking at the amount of donations that we received was fantastic and then knowing that you’re able to provide a gift for someone that might not receive much at Christmas is pretty special.”

Mrs Oliver said the children are “very grateful.”

“Two years ago, there was a six-year-old boy that hadn’t actually received any present and that was the first time.”

“Very powerful,” she said.