Christmas in a shoebox

OPERATION Christmas Child is accepting shoeboxes full of goodies until October 18, to be gifted to underprivileged children in war-torn Philippines.

Locals can curate a boy’s or girl’s shoebox appropriate for a two to four-year-old, a five to nine-year-old or a 10 to 14-year-old.

The box should include a health and hygiene product, something to play with, something to write or draw with, something to wear, something special and something to love.

“We just want to give them some hope,” drop-off point coordinator, Gayle Prollius said.

Due to trauma many children have experienced, no items related to the military, or with skull and crossbones, are to be included. Also exclude playing cards, glass, battery operated toys and liquids.

Full shoeboxes, or complete contents for a shoebox, can be dropped off at 7654 Midland Highway, Magpie on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, or at Ballarat Electrical Company, 38 Mair Street on Tuesday and Thursday.

They should not be sealed, simply closed with a rubber band. A $10 donation is requested with each shoebox. For further information contact Gayle Prollius on 0417 581 415.