Community
16 October, 2025
The spirit of Christmas
VOLUNTEERS gathered in Terang to ensure children will have a Christmas present this year.
On Sunday, October 12, a small team of volunteers gathered in the All Saints Anglican Church to pack boxes as part of the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child project.
Samaritan’s Purse is a humanitarian aid organisation which each year takes part in the initiative, packing shoeboxes full of gifts to send to more than 4.5 million children.
Local organiser Julie Pomeroy said this year the volunteers had packed 135 boxes to be distributed to underprivileged children, with another 30 added thanks to the Ayrford Lutheran Ladies Guild.
“The Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Child Appeal is on its way,” she said.
“We’re thrilled to again take part this year – this is our way of knowing we can help someone, somewhere.
“These boxes are sent to children in countries who have little or no gifts at Christmas time.
“Donations came from far and wide including Terang, Mortlake, Noorat, Panmure, Cobden, Timboon, Camperdown and Warrnambool.”
Mrs Pomeroy said the initiative had been further supported thanks to a generous donation from the Terang Community Op Shop.
“We would like to thank them for the generous donations of $3000 to cover the shipping and posting of these boxes,” she said.
“Thank you to all those in our communities who donated to this worthy cause.”
Operation Christmas Child will each year deliver in excess of 10.5 million shoebox gifts worldwide.
Each package includes a toy, clothing, personal care items and school supplies.
Throughout October and November each year, the packages are inspected and shipped to be delivered for those in need prior to Christmas.
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