The new organiser of Operation Christmas Child in the Devizes area has warned that the deadline for shoe boxes this year is earlier than usual.

Janice Charlton, of Drove Lane, Market Lavington, has taken over from stalwart Ursula McKinnon who retired aged 74 after 17 years at the helm of the appeal locally.

Mrs Charlton said: “Last year Ursula collected more than 700 boxes which was tremendous and probably the best ever so that is my target.

“We have already made up 400 boxes so I am hoping it is going to be possible.”

But she wants supporters to know the final deadline this year is November 8.

She said: “Usually the deadline would be sometime in the middle of November but we brought it forward this year.”

Mrs Charlton is based at St Barnabas Primary School, Market Lavington, and helpers have been busy for weeks making up boxes with items that have been donated.

During half term week there will be a big push to get boxes finished and then on November 7 and 8 the action will move to St Andrew’s Church, Long Street, Devizes.

Mrs Charlton said: “We are very grateful to all the people who have been knitting hats, scarves and other items. We have one person who is wrapping all the boxes and others who are filling them.”

Schools, churches and other groups who have filled their own boxes or have gifts to donate can take them to St Andrew’s Church on November 8 between 8.30am and noon when there will be an open packing morning before the boxes are collected and taken to the charity’s new collection base at Westbury.

If people want boxes to be collected from other places before November 8 they can contact Mrs Charlton who will arrange delivery.

The exact destination of this year’s boxes is not yet known but will be somewhere with a cold winter climate.

Mrs Charlton said: “We know it will be somewhere cold that is why we are putting the emphasis on knitted things such as hats and scarves. Last year the boxes went to Belarus but we don’t know if it will be the same this time.”

In addition to the boxes Mrs Charlton is desperate for donations to cover the cost of transport. She said: “It will cost about £2,000 in total or about £3 a box so we are very keen to get donations. Money can be handed in at local churches.”

To help or get involved, call Mrs Charlton on (01380) 818533. to find out more about what should go into the boxes go to www.samaritans-purse.org.uk