Operation Christmas Child is just around the corner and the new area co-ordinator for Wiltshire, Steve Lloyd, is hoping 30,000 boxes will be packed.

Mr Lloyd, a lecturer at Wiltshire College, was handed the batton by Hilary McFall after she decided to retire and pack her final box after 21 years.

This year will also see a brand-new location for the warehouse in Westbury, replacing the former one in Bowerhill, Melksham.

Mr Lloyd said: “I have always been interested in helping others and this opportunity came up, and it’s so far so good.

“It’s amazing for me. There are some kids in the world who wouldn’t get a Christmas present without Operation Christmas Child. I get very enthused about it.”

Roger Fenton, South and South West regional manager for the Samaritan’s Purse, the umbrella charity for Operation Christmas Child, added: “We were delighted when Steve offered to take on the role, and being a resident of Westbury he has found a temporary warehouse in that town.

“The campaign will run as before but our warehouse where we check, pack and export the shoeboxes will be in Westbury.”

Filled shoeboxes can be dropped off at 113-114 Washington Road, Westbury Trading Estate, BA13 4JP between 10am and 4pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. If you have more than 50 boxes collection can be arranged by calling Josie on 01225 282451.

Packed boxes will be sealed before beginning their long journey to Eastern Europe.

Mr Lloyd added: “Operation Christmas child could not function without the help of the whole community. It may seem such a small thing to us, a shoebox of small gifts, but a small shoebox can and does have a huge impact on a child.”

Where you can drop off your shoeboxes

  •  Regus Centre, Hampton Park West, Melksham  
  •  Specsavers, Bank Street, Melksham  
  •  Shoe Zone, Fore Street, Southwick, Trowbridge  
  • The Farmhouse Inn, Frome Road, Southwick, Trowbridge  
  • Chantry TV, High Street, Westbury  
  • Shoe Zone, Borough Parade, Chippenham   
  • Instruction leaflets can also be picked up from the Wiltshire Times and Gazette and Herald offices in Duke Street.