This year, hundreds of Cambodian children will receive their first Christmas present ever. Over 1400 shoeboxes—some donated by Bata Shoe and the rest purchased by MTI—were filled with gifts by children and adults in four Singapore churches. Two dozen volunteers made sure the contents of the boxes were evenly distributed, then packed them into shipping containers that a businessman has taken responsibility to send. Singapore’s Ambassador has agreed to facilitate customs clearance in Phnom Penh.

With Cambodia’s annual per capita income averaging U.S.$310, many families cannot even afford soap. Nearly 43% of the population are under age 15. MTI ’s team in Phnom Penh run a weekly club at the “White House,” where about 120 children from the local area can take showers, wash their hair or have it cut, get first aid, play games, and hear a Bible story. Troubled or abused children receive special attention and therapy.

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