HUNDREDS of shoeboxes packed with toys, games, pencils, pens and treats are pouring into the Melksham Operation Christmas Child warehouse ahead of their first delivery this weekend.

About 2,000 shoeboxes have been donated by people in Wiltshire and they will be dispached to Belarus in the first of four overseas deliveries planned for this year.

On Saturday, the warehouse in Hercules Way, Bowerhill, hosted a coffee morning to explain what Operation Christmas Child is about.

Hilary McFall, the regional organiser, said: “We had lots of people come with lots of shoeboxes and gifts for the children.

“We’ve got about 2,000 shoeboxes altogether now. I think we’ve actually got more than this time last year.

“It’s going really well. We’d like to thank everyone for all the things they’ve given us so far.”

On Friday night, the lorry bound for Belarus will be loaded and sent on its way.

A delivery to Liberia is planned for next weekend and then more boxes will be despatched to Ukraine and Serbia.

Shoeboxes will be collected until November 18.

The boxes can be designed for boys and girls, from two to 14, and can include a £2.50 donation to cover shipping costs.

To take part in Operation Christmas Child, drop off filled shoeboxes at the following locations: l Wiltshire Times, Duke Street, Trowbridge l Shoe Zone, Fore Street, Trowbridge l Chantry TV, High Street, Westbury l Tourist Information Centre, Central Car Park, Warminster l Melksham Town Hall, Market Place, Melksham l Corsham Town Hall, High Street, Corsham l Trillions, The Shambles, Bradford on Avon l Sainsbury’s Rowden Lane, Bradford on Avon.

Boxes can also be dropped off directly at the warehouse, at 12 Hercules Way, Bowerhill, Melksham, between 10am and 4pm, Mondays to Fridays. Call the warehouse between those times on 01225 705775.