THOUSANDS of shoeboxes crammed with gifts left Ilminster on Friday (December 4, 2015) destined for poor and orphaned children in Romania.

The annual Operation Christmas Child shoebox appeal in the Chard and Ilminster area has been another huge success and up to 8,000 boxes were packed onto a lorry at the project’s locally-based HQ at Dowlish Ford, courtesy of Ashcombe Estates.

An appeal spokesman said: “We would like to thank everyone in the Ilminster, Chard and surrounding area who have supported the shoebox appeal once again.

“It’s always a satisfying moment when you see the lorry arrive and loaded up with all the boxes.

“We only found out when the lorry arrived where our donations will be going and we are sure that our gifts will provided some much-needed joy for children in Romania.”

The loading operation was carried out speedily – thanks to a group of Royal Navy personnel who had travelled over from RNAS Yeovilton to help.

“Huge thanks to the lads from RNAS Yeovilton once again for their support,” said the appeal spokesman. “Their help was very much appreciated as always.”

The lorry left Ilminster for Bristol where it was due to take on board another large number of shoeboxes.

It would then head back across Europe to Romania and the shoeboxes will be distributed to children.

The boxes are packed with small toys, school supplies, hygiene items and other things such as hats, scarves and gloves.

The Operation Christmas Child shoebox appeal is co-ordinated by the Christian-based Samaritan’s Purse organisation.

Organisers of the local shoebox appeal have said that next year they will be working with another Christian organisation, Blythswood Care, who will provide more festive cheer for children around the world.