THE number of shoeboxes picked up from Abergavenny’s Fonseca and Partners last week in aid of Operation Christmas Child easily smashed last year’s total of 43.

In all, 163 boxes were collected and local organiser and solicitor Angharad Carrington-Edmunds was delighted, “This year was a huge success. We wanted to improve on last year’s total but didn’t expect such a huge response.”

Operation Christmas child is a shoebox campaign that allows people to fill shoeboxes with gifts for children which are then sent to third world countries in time for Christmas.

A spokesman for the Samaritans who are behind the project said, “A small shoebox can have a big impact. What goes into the box is fun, but what comes out of it is eternal. Be a part of changing children’s lives all over the world in Jesus’ name through the power of a simple gift with Operation Christmas Child.”

Angharad explained, “Each person picks what age and gender group they would like to pack a box for, before filling it with things such as a ‘wow’ toy, which could be a ball, skipping rope, doll, or teddy, and other presents such as school supplies, toiletries, sweets, and clothing.

“Each box costs around £10 to make up depending on how much you want to spend and how much you put in it.

“The boxes are then individually wrapped and you pay a small postage fee of £3. You can do this online so your parcel is tracked and you get an email telling you where your box went.”

Angharad added, “I work at Fonseca and Partners who once again agreed to be a drop-off point for the boxes, and I distribute the leaflets from here also. It is a good talking point for our clients and our clients like to get involved each year.”

Angharad received help form her husband Jack of Jack Edmunds Windows and Doors, who offered his services by offering to collect and drop off the boxes in his van.

Worcester University student Casey Young who also works at the Bridgend Inn in Brynmawr, has collected enough donations through the pub to make 37 boxes.

Kirsty Havard who works at Webbs in Crickhowell has been asking customers and locals if they would like to get involved by giving donations. She has used the donations to make a total of 20 boxes.

Kate Carr of Bidmead Cook and Waldron has also been encouraging clients friends and family to get involved with boxes of their own.

Crickhowell High School Year 9 students also made 12 boxes, and staff at the Crickhowell War Memorial Surgery also contributed greatly.

Angharad said, “This year’s collection has had an added poignancy for my partner and I, as we are expecting a baby in January, which reminds you more than ever of the importance of helping those children all over the world who are not just without presents at Christmas, but parents as well.”