Rangimarie Mako remembers the disappointment at Christmases and birthdays of receiving few or no gifts. So, watching the joy on children's faces as they opened their Christmas in a Shoebox last year is driving her to help repeat the project she instigated for Northlanders.
The Onerahi mother of three began Christmas in a Shoebox Whangarei/Northland last year after a friend became involved in Operation Christmas Child, which sends boxes of gifts to children in overseas third world countries.
"I thought this was amazing. I was so keen to help my friend. However, I couldn't help thinking of our own children in our own country or town and that inspired me to research and create Christmas in a Shoebox Whangarei/Northland."
Rangimarie put a call out and was overwhelmed by the response. She was provided with over 1,000 shoeboxes from businesses, schools, churches and individuals and a ton of gift donations, such as clothing, shoes, arts n crafts, electronics, beauty products, toys, vouchers, as well as around $700 to buy extra gifts and wrapping paper.
Each box was filled to the value of around $30 suitable for ages 2-17 and, after seeking out those in need via social services groups, she handed some out herself.