THE first lorry-load of presents destined for poverty-stricken children has set off with what was an emotional departure from Grimsby.
More than 8,000 shoe boxes, filled with generous gifts and packed onto a lorry, have set off on the 3,500-mile journey to Liberia – just a week after the annual launch of Operation Christmas Child.
As reported, 140 volunteers have been busy packing the boxes at the charity's headquarters at Holme Hill School, in Wellington Street, Grimsby, since November 14.
Each box will then be given to a child in Romania or Liberia as a Christmas present which, in most cases, is the only one they will ever receive.
Organiser Pam Hodge has been overwhelmed with the support so far and is confident they should match last year's staggering 25,000 boxes by the end of November.
She said: "It feels fantastic to see the shoe boxes off and to think of how happy it will make children at the other end. The public have, once again, been so generous and it is going really well so far.
"It is always good to see that first load go and we can't wait until the next – the warehouse is snowed under with shoeboxes – to the point we are running out of space!"
The next load will be sent off when they reach 10,000 shoe boxes – this time to Romania.
Volunteer Denise Johnson, of Tetney, holds emotional memories of her trip to the eastern European country of Belarus with Operation Christmas Child in 2008.
She said: "It was an amazing experience to see all the needy children in orphanages, nurseries, churches and kindergartens. It is quite emotional to see the first load. Just knowing how the children will react and how these boxes mean everything to them makes it all worthwhile."
Firefighter and volunteer Carl Hunt packs the shoeboxes and often checks the school at night to make sure everything is secure.
He said: "I am just thrilled to be able to help."
Alice Chapman and Cath Bennett, from Habrough, are among a group who knit clothing for the shoe box dolls all year round – and they have just finished their 1,000th outfit.
Alice said: "We get such joy out of thinking of these little tots opening their first present, when they have never received a gift in their lives."
Operation Christmas Child paid special thanks to Annette Taylor and Nellie Cooke, Mary, Brian and Andrew Clarke, Jean and Albert Hughs, from Sutton-on-Sea, and Liz Scott, from Alvingham, for their generous contributions to the appeal.
The drop-off points for shoe boxes will remain open until the end of November and include: 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 stores, Humber Merchants Ltd, Immingham and Immingham Library.
