Each goodie box is crammed full of clothing, toys, personal items, hygiene items, school and exercise equipment as part of Operation Christmas Child.

The Australian and New Zealand project is organised by Christian aid group, Samaritan's Purse.

More than 340,000 boxes were sent from Australia last year to be distributed by local churches in Cambodia, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu and Samoa.

There are about 2500 boxes forwarded to the project from the Port Macquarie-Hastings each year.

Local volunteer Sue Kightley said many residents had been supporting the cause for at least six years.

"It's a gift of love - love in a shoebox," she said during a packing session at Port Anglican Church.

"The boxes go to children in third world countries who may have virtually nothing.

"Many people are motivated to help because we all have kids and grandkids."

Each box contains an item to love, for school, for personal hygiene, to wear, to play with and something special.

Gifts are sent from churches, schools, individual families and other organisations in Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Laurieton, Comboyne, Kendall, Beechwood, Bonny Hills and the Camden Haven.

Local volunteer Sandra English said some volunteers are guided by religion.

"We do it because of a love of the children and a love of Jesus," she said.

"That's what he would want us to do.

"He would want us to care for the needy of this world."

For more information on the project and to get involved contact Graeme Kightley on 6584 8387 or 0408 646 564, enquire at the Port Anglican Church office, Monday to Friday, 9am until noon or go to Operation Christmas Child's website www.operationchristmaschild.org.au

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