Volunteers in Pewsey will be getting in the Christmas spirit next week when they come together to pack 500 shoeboxes in aid of Operation Christmas Child.

Pewsey Methodist Church has run the event for 13 years and has sent thousands of shoeboxes to disadvantaged children in Africa and Eastern Europe.

They are now getting ready for their big shoebox packing day on Saturday, November 15, between 10am and 1pm.

Boxes will be filled with toys, school supplies, toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap hairbrushes, gloves, scarves, sunglasses, hats, bangles, necklaces, jewellery and hair accessories.

Organiser Stephen Longson said: “So many people have shown and continue to show kindness in coming together to show a child kindness at Christmas with the gift of a filled shoebox with gifts.

“Planning always starts early in order to manage the logistics to ensure each box is filled with the required items. We are now in the final countdown and have some critical shortfalls, for which we do need donations so we are able to bulk buy.

“If people would like to make a small donation, 33p will buy a set of gloves and we are still struggling for soft toys, hats, gloves, scarves, pencil cases, small puzzles and items for teenagers, so if you can help it would be valued.

“In order to make everything happen, please come and join the fun on November 15 to help pack boxes as it makes for a fun morning for all ages when you can help make a difference and get into the Christmas spirit helping others in need.”

Volunteers are also needed on Thursday, November 13, from 7pm to 9pm, to help set out and sort the gifts.

Donations can be dropped off at Pewsey Post Office, Pewsey Methodist Church, St John’s Church or at the Wesley Hall, which is open most mornings between 9am and 11.30am.

For more information email Stephen.longson@ gmail.com, call 01672 563171 or visit www.pewsey-methodist.org.uk