What many do not realise is there are kids in the world without the luxury of a choice – in fact, there are some who have never received a present.

Wagga residents are making the most of the chance to change the lives of these desperately poor youngsters by taking part in Operation Christmas Child (OCC).

The project, run by international relief organisation Samaritan's Purse, is an annual collection of gift-filled shoe boxes for children affected by natural disaster, poverty, war and disease

"For many of the children who receive an Operation Christmas Child shoe box, it's the first gift they've ever received", said OCC Wagga regional co-ordinator Carol Gordon.

"The gifts are basic items we take for granted every day but many families cannot afford, such as school supplies, clothing, toys and hygiene items."