VOLUNTEERS in Droitwich Spa have helped pack hundreds of shoeboxes for this year’s Operation Christmas Child appeal.

More than 150 kind residents gathered at Droitwich Spa Methodist Church, Worcester Road, on Saturday, November 17.

They helped to fill 380 shoeboxes with gifts, toys, toiletries, stationery and sweets that will now be sent to children in Kyrgyzstan in Eastern Europe.

People of all ages came together for the mass packing exercise after a team of volunteers had sorted out bags and boxes of goods donated by people from across the community.

Organisers David and Jean Shail said “We have again been overwhelmed by the response this year, from so many people of all ages. Throughout the year people have been knitting hats, gloves, scarves and pencil cases, and sewing toiletry bags. The youth group have helped us by sharpening pencils & sorting out stationery and filling pencil cases, people have brought us shoeboxes, others have wrapped them, and others have helped by buying items like soap, flannels, toothbrushes and small gifts.

“We want to thank everyone who helped us achieve this record number of shoeboxes.”

Jumble sales, bring and buy sales and a booksale helped to raise the shipping costs of £2.50 per box to ensure the boxes reach their destination.