Steve Lloyd, area coordinator for Wiltshire’s Operation Christmas Child, is urging people to spare a few hours to help pack and check shoeboxes.

A number of boxes for the Wiltshire Times-backed appeal have arrived at the depot in Westbury and each one needs to be checked before it goes on its journey.

“If we had a team of people we could make a massive dent,” said Mr Lloyd.

“It’s going nuts this week and we are bringing in more every day.”

More than 10,000 boxes have already been packed ready to board a lorry to Zambia next Saturday.

With the help of Wiltshire Times readers Mr Lloyd is hoping to reach his 30,000-box target.

Mr Lloyd is thrilled with the support so far.

“It’s been really positive, lots of people have been really supportive," he said.

“One school in Trowbridge brought us 50 boxes. Our vans are going out coming back with 1,000 boxes. Groups from all over the place have been knitting hats, pencil cases and finger puppets.”

Pupils at Oasis Longmeadow Academy in Trowbridge have been busy packing boxes full of gifts.

More than 40 boxes have been filled with presents to send off to Third World countries, organised by staff members Liz Williams and Elayne Morgan.

“It has been a whole community effort,” said Mrs Williams.

“We want the children to see how they can help others who don’t get anything for Christmas.”

About 20 empty shoeboxes were donated by Brantano in Trowbridge and, thanks to staff and parents, they were able to take the total to 43. Parents also held a cake sale to help pay for delivery costs.

Mrs Williams added: “After watching an incredibly moving video the Year Six class decided they wanted to do 10 boxes.”

Pupils at Larkrise School, Trowbridge, have also prepared shoeboxes and dropped off more than 20 at the Wiltshire Times office. They have raised nearly £200 for the appeal and have more boxes ready to be sent.

The appeal run by the Samaritan’s Purse still needs more boxes for boys and girls aged 2-4. The last lorry will be leaving the depot at the start of December heading for Eastern Europe.

To volunteer to help check boxes you can call Mr Lloyd on 07715 843872 or turn up at the warehouse.

Drop-off points

• Wiltshire Times, Duke Street, Trowbridge

• 113-114 Washington Road, Westbury Trading Estate

• Shoe Zone, Fore Street, Southwick, Trowbridge

• The Farmhouse Inn, Frome Road, Southwick, Trowbridge • Regus Centre, Hampton Park West, Melksham

• Specsavers, Bank Street, Melksham

• Chantry TV, High Street, Westbury

Instruction leaflets can also be picked up from the Wiltshire Times office. If you have over 50 boxes collection can be arranged by calling Josie on 01225 282451.

The caring, sharing ladies

The Zion Baptist Church Ladies’ Coffee Morning group has put together 26 boxes for the Operation Christmas Child appeal – the most they have ever done since they began taking part in the initiative.

More than 15 members meet in the church hall at Zion Baptist Church in Union Street, Trowbridge, and each brings various items.

Brenda Skull, who leads the group, said it never ceased to surprise her how much people wanted to get involved.

“We have so much to be thankful for that it’s right we should share with others who have a lot less.

“This is one way of showing that thankfulness,” she said.

The group meets every Wednesday in term time at 10am. For information, call Brenda Skull on 01225 755836 or Heather Skull 07713 214475.