Operation Christmas Child

Each year, we have the opportunity and the privilege to partner with Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child, to provide a gift to a child who is underprivileged, living in a third world country and in desperate need of love and hope and the good news of Jesus Christ. Oxley has been putting together Christmas Shoe Boxes for over 20 years and was one of the very first schools to take part when the program was first established in Australia. 

Again, this year, your help is needed more than ever. We want boys and girls around the world to know that God loves them and has not forgotten them during this time of fear and uncertainty. Will you help fill a shoe box this year?

Normally, for your convenience, a shoebox has been sent home with all Junior School students, Year 7 students and to students from higher year levels who have requested a box. Where we can, we will still seek to do this. However, you are encouraged, if you have a spare shoebox or similarly sized box at home, to use that. If your family would like a shoebox, empty shoeboxes can be collected by students from their Home Group teachers or the Administration Office when on campus.

Every box is double checked, sorted and packed, ready to be sent to children in villages, slums and towns across Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, PNG, Fiji, Vanuatu and Samoa.

How to pack a shoebox

Every child receiving a shoebox will also receive a greatest journey booklet, translated into their language. This helps them to understand the love of Christ, as demonstrated through those who have prepared and shared a box.

Don’t forget, that shoeboxes are only the beginning, an entry point into a community. I have seen, first-hand, how a shoebox distribution in a community soon turns into water filtration projects, safe migration training, parenting classes, establishment of maternal health centres and the rebuilding and resourcing of schools. Together we are making a tangible difference!

Completed shoeboxes should be returned to your child’s Home Group teacher or to the Administration Office by Wednesday 3 November 2021.

Alternatively, if you cannot physically pack a shoebox this year, due to difficulties sourcing the items, you can purchase a virtually packed box at:

https://occdonations.samaritanspurse.org.au/product/pack-a-shoebox-online/

Now the only question is, how many shoeboxes can our community fill? 

Thank you for partnering with us to help transform lives!

Ps Matt Daly

Chaplain