Bacchus Marsh's Diana and John Zilm are regional co-ordinators of Operation Christmas Child, in which people collect small gifts for children in less fortunate countries.

Boxes contain something to wear, something for school, something for play and something to love.

Last year, schools, churches and residents in Melton and Moorabool sent 875 boxes to China, Thailand, Vietnam and the South Pacific Islands. More than 8million were packed and opened around the world as part of the project run by international organisation Samaritan's Purse.

"It's not just donating money; it gives people a chance to put their heart in a box," Mrs Zilm says.

The Zilms, who have worked in Zambia as Salvation Army officers, know how much a difference a kind gesture can make. "We saw the joy on their faces from the simplest things," says Mrs Zilm, adding that the project also gives agencies, such as the Salvos, a reason to enter disadvantaged communities, where they were able to improve access to water, food, shelter and health services.

Empty boxes will be distributed at Bacchus Marsh shopping village tomorrow and on Friday. They can be returned on October 22. Boxes will also be given out at Woodgrove shopping centre on Thursday and September 16 to be collected on October 28. To get involved, call 5367 1210 or visit www.samaritanspurse.org.au