Making sure everyone gets a gift

Christmas Shoebox Project local co-ordinator Laura Ramsay checks boxes of presents before they make their way to children experiencing hardship this holiday season.

Last week about 275 shoeboxes were packed and gift-wrapped in record time by volunteers on the top floor of the Forsyth Barr building, sorting gifts such as games, toys and toiletries into age-appropriate categories including 2-5, 6-9, 10-13 and 14-plus.

Staff from organisations including Mercy Hospital and Nidd Realty, as well as members of the public, provided some of the contributions.

The festive parcels will be distributed to seven charities in Dunedin along with two in Oamaru and one based in Wānaka.

The initiative is run nationally by the Catalytic Foundation and people can give by visiting christmasshoebox.org.nz