'Thank you' to the generous Banburyshire folk who have donated more than 1,000 shoeboxes filled with gifts to needy children overseas

In spite of this year's difficult conditions a total of 1,074 shoeboxes of gifts have been collected and are on their way to their foreign destinations.

Local coordinator, Eunice Harradine, said: “With the problems facing all of us this year because of Covid-19, I had no idea how Operation Christmas Child would work out.

"Last year we sent 1,727 boxes from the area and I thought that if we could send half as many this year, we would have done well. As it is, I am delighted with the response and want to say an enormous thank you to everyone who donated during this campaign. It shows that even when life here is difficult, local people care about those less fortunate than themselves.”

Despite the National Collection Week being changed from November to early December, the team of volunteers based at The People's Church in Horsefair, Banbury sent off 803 shoeboxes last month. Since then, 271 more shoeboxes have been received by the team of volunteers and sent on for processing ready to be dispatched overseas.

“The gifts in the shoeboxes include things like school stationery, basic hygiene items, hats, hair accessories, jewellery, games, a cuddly toy, matchbox cars and toys,” Mrs Harradine said.

“Although these are fundamentals to us, they are often regarded as luxuries by the children receiving them. In talking with people as they brought their shoeboxes, many told me they had packed a box this year for the first time. Clearly, the plight of young people in poor countries around the world has affected them and prompted them to give.”

All the shoeboxes have since been sent on to a processing centre prior to being shipped abroad, where they will be handed personally to children living in difficult circumstances.

Mrs Harradine also thanked The Entertainer toy store in Banbury’s Castle Quay, which was the primary drop-off location during November, taking in around 170 shoeboxes.

As well as packing a real shoebox, supporters have been able to 'build' a shoebox online for £20 including project costs and this has proved a popular option for those with who have not wanted to visit shops.

Around 45 shoeboxes have been paid for locally this way, the gifts being packed by a volunteer. The link, which can be found here, remains open through to New Year’s Eve.

Volunteers Geoff and Sue Smith (pictured with Eunice Harradine) collected larger quantities of shoeboxes from groups and drop-off locations and take them on to the next stage.