THOUSANDS of less fortunate children in Macuata have been blessed with presents from an overseas donor.
A group of church members from the Assemblies of God at the Evangel Temple in Labasa have started distributing about 7000 boxes of gifts for children in the province.
Known as the Operation Christmas Child, the gifts were provided by Good Samaritans from around the globe.
Vanua Levu Christmas Child co-ordinator Waisea Vusonitokalau said they had been receiving names of children from communities around Macuata and had distributed gifts to them.
“The box contains toys, stationery and even mobile phones depending on the ages of children according to which the gifts have been boxed,” said Mr Vusonitokalau.
“This is an inter-denominational and inter-racial effort funded by the Billy Graham Ministries and this is its fifth year of operation in the north.
“Last year it was the turn of the children in Macuata and we will focus on Cakaudrove next year with a projected total of 10,000 boxes to be shipped over for the province.”
Mr Vusonitokalau lauded the support of the police in Labasa in providing transport to deliver the boxes to communities in Macuata.
“This is a worthy cause and to have the support of our legal guardians is a very good sign,” said Mr Vusonitokalau.
“At the moment we are working on distributing around $280,000 worth of gift boxes to the children of Macuata.”