THE Oasis Community Church in Alexandra is hosting a Packing Party Day on Thursday, October 15 from 10am to 4pm, for the community to pack shoeboxes to be sent to children in need around the world. The packing day takes place at Oasis Community Church, 118 Grant Street, Alexandra, and lunch is provided. An annual packing day has been taking place in Alexandra for around 15 years, organizer Judy Peters estimates. “It’s absolutely fantastic, and I just love doing it,” Judy said. “Some of these children have never received a present in their life, and in the last two or three years we’ve sent a shipping container full of shoeboxes overseas. “Hopefully we’ll be able to send another shipping container this year.” The packing runs from Monday through Friday, but Thursday is the day for locals to head to the Oasis church and help out. On the Tuesday night, the cubs will pack some shoeboxes, and the joeys will do the same on the Wednesday night. “Lots of people come,” Judy said. “We put on a luncheon, which is basically just sandwiches and some cake, and there’s always tea and coffee for anybody that comes.” The shoeboxes are packed with items that children in need might require, such as health stuff, face washer and toothbrush, comb, school items, exercise book, pencils, clothing, something to play with, a cuddly toy, etcetera. “People are amazing and the things that people do are just absolutely amazing,” Judy added. Operation Christmas Child takes place all around the world, not just in Australia, giving disadvantaged children something to provide a little bit of hope. For more information about the Packing Party Day in Alexandra, contact Judy Peters on 0458 991 855.
