Operation Christmas Child is the world’s largest children’s Christmas project, run by the Christian charity Samaritan’s Purse. They have been sending gift-filled shoeboxes around the world since 1990, bringing joy into the lives of over 80 million underprivileged children.

Last year, over 500,000 people were involved across the country and 1.12 million shoeboxes were filled with gifts and goodies which were then sent to disadvantaged children across Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

This year, staff in Transport for Buckinghamshire have worked hard to make up over 50 boxes, and sent more items to the warehouse to help make up additional boxes. Bucks County Council colleagues also sent along another 20 boxes and Judy Aitken donated tennis balls throughout the year.

The Long Crendon Warehouse sent out 9308 boxes, which have now arrived in Belarus and are being distributed to children around the country.

Thank you so much to everyone who has taken part and to those who gave up their time shopping, knitting and packing up boxes.