Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child 2025

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse that brings joy and hope to children in need around the world. Each year, people pack shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, hygiene items and personal notes of encouragement. These simple gifts are delivered to children who may never have gotten a Christmas gift or maybe never heard about the message of God’s love for them.

How you can get involved:

1. Pack a shoebox – collect a shoebox from the Chaplaincy office and fill it with small gifts for a boy or a girl in the age range or your choice. In the box you will receive a leaflet on ‘How to pack a shoebox’. A donation of $12.50 per box is essential to cover shipping and other project costs. For easiest processing, you can give online through the website, but other options are also available.

For more information please email Alison Lamberton at Alison.lamberton@lakesdhb.govt.nz or Hannelie Parsloe at Hannelie.parsloe@lakesdhb.govt.nz

2. Pay – pray for the child who will receive your box.

3. Drop off – bring your filled shoebox to the Chaplaincy office by the 15th October.

4. Give online – you can also pack a shoebox online and donate to help with shipping and ministry costs.

A small shoebox can have a big impact – showing a child they are loved and not forgotten this Christmas.