Baptist Church donates to kids in need

Benalla's Lorraine Szepesvary has organised the boxes on behalf of the Benalla Baptist Church.

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“This year we have collected 26 boxes,” Lorraine said.

“I hand out the boxes here and pick them, and 26 people have been kind enough to donate items this year.

“All the boxes will go to disadvantaged children.”

Operation Christmas Child is a hands-on way for people to bless children in need across the world by filling shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies and fun gifts.

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Lorraine said Samaritans Purse collected the boxes and distributed them in the name of Jesus to children living in vulnerable situations.

“Boxes collected in Australia this year will be distributed to children in Fiji, Cambodia, Madagascar and Malawi in Africa,” she said.

“I've been here two years and when I came they asked if anyone would like to arrange the boxes.

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“So I put my hand up and was happy to do it again this year.

“I think this type of thing is very important, just to put some joy into the children's lives.

“Most would never get a gift, so when they get that box it gives them so much joy.

“When the kids open the boxes they are so excited.

“We saw a video of some opening the boxes earlier this year and they were so happy.

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“And it gives us joy packing the boxes to send to the children.”

Lorraine said the church planned to continue next year and anyone in the community could feel free to get in contact to see how they could help.

“Thank you to all the people who took the time and provided the items for this year's boxes. Thank you for your generosity,” she said.

“If you would like to help next year you can call our Pastor Matthew Holloway on 0408 050 291.”

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