Volunteers came out in force to help pack presents for Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child.

People packed shoeboxes full of toys, clothes, school supplies and hygiene items to be shipped to children growing up in poverty overseas.

Organising member Lorraine Fitzpatrick said the boxes would likely be sent to countries including Cambodia, Thailand and Papua New Guinea, although in the past boxes from Warrnambool have gone as far as Ukraine.

Ms Fitzpatrick said the idea was for the community to get involved and share the joy of giving.

“Everyone has enjoyed themselves,” she said.

The boxes would go to children who had very little, Ms Fitzpatrick said.

“It’s a simple thing to do,” she said. “But it means so much to them. It’s something to brighten up their life.”