One nine-year old boy has helped to make Christmas a better time for more than 200 children in some of the world's poorest countries. Will Hatheway of St Luke's Episcopal Church, Austin, Texas, masterminded his church's contribution to the Samaritan's Purse project.

"My Dad read 'The Miracle in a Shoebox' to me," said Will. "It's a story about a family who receive a shoebox from Samaritan's Purse, and that's when I told my Mom we had to help." Will explained that he wanted to organise this himself, with the involvement of the whole congregation.

After meeting with clergy and vestry to outline his plan, Will made announcements during services and over several weeks manned a table to collect shoeboxes and donations. On 6th November the church held a "wrapping party" to pack and wrap the shoeboxes.

This year the Samaritan's Purse distribution centre expects to send over three million shoeboxes containing school supplies, toiletries and small presents to children in 55 countries.

The assistant rector of St Luke's, Parker Jameson, praised the youngster's efforts: "Will gave all of us an opportunity to make God's love tangible and to fulfil a small part of Jesus' vision for every person to know that he or she is loved by God."

Item from: The Texas Episcopalian