FijiShoeboxes Bring Joy
Operation Christmas Child provides shoebox packages to children in need, each containing a fun toy, clothing, and school supplies. Many children receive their first gift via the project.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Rosie Hawkes and her husband Steve have been packing shoeboxes of gifts for children in other countries, especially around the Pacific Islands, for nearly a quarter of a century.
Their involvement started while visiting family in Australia, where they heard about the project run by Samaritan’s Purse.
The couple said they get so much pleasure out of creating the boxes of love, which are given to boys and girls in three age brackets: two to four year-olds, five to nine year-olds and 10 to 14 year-olds.
Rosie has spent many hours knitting dolls and animals, and making colourful pencil cases with plastic zips as metal ones rust.
The experience of being part of the group distributing the boxes to children had left Rosie feeling overwhelmed, she said.
Rosie recalled a little boy who took the box, opened it and passed it on to another child, thinking he was just to take one thing out of it and share with the rest of his class.
Boxes go to schools as well as to parents in prison to give their child, and while nothing religious goes in the box, pamphlets with a Christian message are available when boxes are distributed.
Key facts
- Shoeboxes contain a fun toy, clothing, hygiene items, school supplies and a “wow” item.
- Boxes are given to boys and girls in three age brackets.
- The project is run by Samaritan’s Purse.
- Many children receive their first gift via the project.
Three perspectives
Neutral
The project provides shoebox packages to children in need, bringing joy to many. The distribution process is an opportunity for communities to come together. People can participate by filling shoeboxes with new items.
Positive
The project has a significant impact on the children who receive the shoeboxes, bringing happiness and excitement. Rosie and Steve Hawkes' dedication to the project is admirable, and their efforts have made a difference in the lives of many children.
Negative
Some children may not receive a shoebox, and the project's reach is limited to certain areas. The distribution process may also be affected by various factors, such as logistics and funding.
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