Volunteers busy at the charity warehouse in Telford for Operation Christmas Child

The new Operation Christmas Child warehouse on Halesfield Industrial Estate in Telford has opened and volunteers are already taking delivery of hundreds of shoeboxes which will soon be shipped out.

And Elizabeth Hodges, area co-ordinator of The Marches for the charity, said that it was vital people made up their boxes in time for the arrival of the container on November 24.

She said people often thought they could only hand over completed shoeboxes but said any items were needed to complete existing boxes and make up appropriate presents.

“There has been a group of people who have worked for many months getting the warehouse set up in Telford.

“The response has been brilliant but we always need more help and more shoeboxes.

“The shoeboxes will go 5,000 miles away so have to leave Telford on or around November 24,” Mrs Hodges said. 

“I would urge anyone with odd teddies, hats, scarfs and gloves, soap and toothpaste to bring them in and then we can make sure all of the boxes are absolutely full.

“We would welcome anyone to come down and have a look at the warehouse and see the fantastic work everyone is doing to make Christmas that little bit special for those children.”

Appealing for everyone to get involved, she added: “We need a lot more shoeboxes because it’s so important that we get this first lorry from Telford.

“If there aren’t enough boxes when the lorry comes it would be such a shame. If they haven’t got enough boxes we won’t have a lorry to take them from Telford and that would be a tragedy,” she said.

Anybody who has premises to offer as a drop-off point, would like to help in the warehouse or hand over some goods or boxes should contact Elaine Udakis on (01952) 247345 or Mrs Hodges on 07980172 750.

By Kirsty Smallman