SANTA'S grotto has officially opened in Grimsby – and stacked inside are thousands of presents for the children of war-torn Liberia and Romania.
The generosity of North East Lincolnshire has once again unwavered as Operation Christmas Child gets underway – and there is still time for more to get involved.
The charity sends up to 25,000 shoe boxes stuffed with presents and wrapped in colourful paper to children who have never received a Christmas gift in their lives.
Operation leader Pam Hodge described each present as a "box of love" for children who have nothing.
She said: "We have already had a fabulous response. It amazes me every year. The generosity of the people of Grimsby and Cleethorpes is fantastic.
"It is such a nice charity to be involved in because you know everything you give gets to the children.
"After being out to Romania myself and seeing the difference it makes to these children, I just want to do more than ever. The need out there is so bad, but this is like giving them a box of love."
Backed by the Grimsby Telegraph, the charity's volunteer Christmas elves will beaver away all day every day Monday to Saturday inside the headquarters at Holme Hill School, Wellington Street, Grimsby.
They have already collected 7,000 shoe boxes from generous schools, organisations, individuals, families and businesses, but organisers want to see more boxes come their way by the end of the month.
Toys, toiletries, clothes, games and stationery are carefully and lovingly placed into the boxes, wrapped and sent off by the end of November.
Marilyn Reeve, of Waltham, said: "It is a privilege to be a part of this but at the same time, it is so sad. These children are living in such poverty and children shouldn't be like that wherever they live."
Her friend, Kath Bennett, from Habrough, works with a group of crafters to make presents, like tiny outfits for the dolls, as well as packing them into boxes.
She said: "It is wonderful that people, especially children, have responded and have given up their toys and belongings for other people. It is great we can help them but at the same time it is a shame we have to do this."
Members of the Trefoil Guild, a group of adult guides, have also got involved. Member Sue Moore added: "The dedication of volunteers and people who have donated is unfounded. People are so generous."
Drop off your boxes this month DROP-OFF terminals for the annual Shoebox Appeal are open throughout the area for collection up to the end of November. You can drop off boxes of gifts, or gifts to be put into boxes by volunteers, at: The Cricketers, Littlefield Lane, Grimsby. The Post Office, Holton-le-Clay. Morrisons, Laceby. Asda, Holles Street, Grimsby. Tesco, at Hewitts Circus, Cleethorpes, and Victoria Street, Grimsby. Family Eye Clinic, Scartho. Raffles Hairdressers, Waltham. The Care Shop, Alexandra Road, Cleethorpes. Mustard Seed, Alexandra Road, Cleethorpes. Shoe Zone, both Grimsby and Cleethorpes store. Humber Merchants Ltd, Immingham. Immingham Library. Keep checking your Grimsby Telegraph for updates on the project.