A HAMPSHIRE warehouse has been transformed into a giant Christmas workshop as thousands of presents are squeezed into shoeboxes for delivery to poor children around the world.

Hundreds of volunteers are helping with this year’s Operation Christmas Child to help send shoeboxes filled with toys, sweets, education items and hygiene supplies to youngsters across Europe and Africa.

With more than 6,000 completed shoeboxes ready to go, the team say they are hoping for plenty more for this year’s appeal which will see the charity deliver Hampshire’s gifts to Zimbabwe for the first time.

Co-ordinator Margaret Griffin said “We are sending boxes from Hampshire to Zimbabwe for the first time, which is really exciting because they are really needed out there. Last year the Hampshire-base sorted and dispatched 66,997 boxes to poor communities across eastern Europe.

“We won’t do quite as many as last year because Guildford have their own sorting base this year,” said Margaret.

“It is also too early to tell if the recession will make an impact. So far we are seeing a lot of support, but could do with more.”

Over the next four weeks volunteers will sort through the boxes, pack them into large crates and place them on lorries heading for Africa in time for Christmas.

For information about putting together a shoebox visit samaritanspurse.com/occ.

Are you taking part?

✩ As well as donating shoeboxes, this year’s appeal is also looking for people to help out with the sorting and collection of gifts at their warehouse in Eastleigh. Anyone who can volunteer – call Margaret Griffin on 07982 804415.

✩ Is your school, social group, or workplace putting together shoeboxes? If so let us know by contacting Corey Stephenson on 023 8042 4503 or email corey.stephenson@dailyecho.co.uk