Operation Christmas Child's Box launches in Kaitaia

A couple of examples of shoeboxes filled in Oamaru for dispatch to the Pacific Islands.

A Christian non-profit organisation that collects small gifts for impoverished and disadvantaged children around the world launches in the Far North on Saturday.

Operation Christmas Child's Box Launch, at 10am at Kaitaia's Saturday market, would "show the community who we are and what we do," a spokesperson said.

"We will also be asking members of the community for their support by packing a shoebox."

The boxes filled by the Maketu Rotary Club some years ago had included something to wear, something to play with, something for school, something to love, something special and something for personal hygiene.

"We believe the shoebox is a tangible expression of God's love, and is often just the beginning of a life-changing experience for a shoebox recipient.," the spokesperson said.

"Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts open the door to impoverished communities, allowing us to meet their practical needs such as clean drinking water, protection for children at risk, sanitation and hygiene, health and nutrition, educational and vocational training, church resourcing and disaster relief. To date we have given more than 146 million shoeboxes worldwide in more than 25 years."

Further information is at www.samaritanspurse.org.au/the-spirit-of-operation-christmas-child/

Saturday's launch will feature a free sausage sizzle and lots of giveaways, while Mayor John Carter is expected to be there to pack the first box. All items have been donated by the community.