By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
FOR the fifth year in a row, residents at Evelyn Ridge retirement village in Mount Evelyn have made some very special Christmas presents.
As part of Samaritan’s Purse program Operation Christmas Child, residents at the village have filled a shoebox-sized package with toys for children in developing countries in South East Asia.
This year residents prepared 45 boxes to be shipped to children in South East Pacific countries who may otherwise not receive Christmas presents.
Helen Marsh is a resident at the village who organised the others to get involved and says it’s a great opportunity for the village to give to those less fortunate.
“Every shoebox is an opportunity to touch a child’s heart with love and put a smile on the faces of some children who may never have received a gift before,” she said.
“We get sent videos back of kids getting the gifts and they are always very excited to get their presents.”
The boxes have been sent to a sorting house in Mitcham and will be delivered to the children overseas by Christmas.
