The Rotary Club received a total of 3,894 boxes donated from schools and people from across the island.
‘My sister got us involved with this about eight or nine years ago,’ said firefighter Grant Hutchins, whose sister Kate is a Rotarian.
‘We always like to help, it’s a fun day and we’re always treated to a slice of cake at the end. We loaded over 200 boxes today, each filled with 15 shoeboxes. When we form a line, we can load them in no time. It’s a good thing to help out with.’
Disadvantaged children from Moldova, Montenegro, Romania and Ukraine via Poland will be receiving the packages, some of which include fun treasures such as teddy bears, Lego, books, scarves, and school supplies.
And Rotary volunteers, such as Mr Hutchins’ mum Sally, ensured each parcel was packed with soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste and flannel.
‘I come over this week every year to help my daughter,’ she said.
‘She’s away this year, but I’ve still come. It’s a lovely thing to be involved with. Each box is packed with love.’
The boxes are divided into four age groups, each offering slightly different contents, from the one to three-year-olds receiving clothes and soft toys, to the 12 to 15-year-olds receiving stationery and sports items.
Shoebox appeal organiser Hannah Laidlow said the island should be proud of another year providing something special for many disadvantaged children – it is likely to be the only present most will receive this Christmas.
‘I think people are very generous,’ she said.
‘It’s been really busy. We’ve had some wonderful boxes this year and we’ve had quite a lot of extra things brought in. It all helps.
‘The schools have been good as always, and some businesses.
‘It’s great that the fire crew come and help at the end. It’s all part of the community spirit. I love this part – getting them all packed up. They should all make it to their destinations in Eastern Europe in plenty of time before Christmas.’
Rotary Guernesiais has taken part in the shoebox appeal for more than 20 years and last year received 5,717 boxes.
The festive treasure boxes are shipped to the UK via Channel Seaways – which delivers them for free – and from there they will be sent on to Moldova, Montenegro, Romania and Ukraine, via Poland.
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