MORE than 32,000 boxes donated by generous people in Hampshire have been heading to children in some of the poorest countries across the world to brighten their Christmas.

Operators at the regional base of Operation Christmas Child in Eastleigh have counted up 32,900 shoeboxes handed over by members of the public in the county in just over a month.

These festive gifts will soon, the charity hopes, make a difference to less fortunate children – for many the first they have ever received.

Margaret Griffin, area coordinator for Hampshire, said: “It has been a great campaign, never enough shoeboxes, but we respect the fact that there was a recession.

“People are so generous with what they do and what they give.

“It will make a tremendous difference to a child who’s never received a gift before – it’s like giving them a million pounds.”

The project, run by Christian charity Samaritan’s Purse, gets members of the public to donate shoeboxes filled with presents including toys and games.

Around 300 volunteers have been processing boxes donated at a warehouse, in the Boyatt Wood Industrial Estate, in Eastleigh, since the deadline closed last Friday.

The warehouse itself has taken 41,541 boxes from residents across the SO and PO postcodes, Isle of Wight and Reading.

So far 8,583 boxes have left in lorries for Swaziland, 10,748 to Ukraine, 12,455 to Bosnia, 4,395 to Serbia and 1,892 boxes to Romania, with 3,478 remaining.

Although Mrs Griffin said it was hard to compare with last year’s total because the collection area had changed, she thought numbers were slightly down.

However, she said the campaign had shown people’s generosity, highlighting one woman from Chichester who had driven 40 miles to the warehouse to make sure her box made it to children who may have been abandoned by their parents or removed by the authorities, or may be ill or living in poverty.

Last year, more than 27,800 shoeboxes were donated by individuals and groups across Hampshire.

Mrs Griffin said: “To a child who spends their life living in a refuse tip with no shoes and socks on – to give them a box and make them realise that somebody cares is life transforming.

“We’re making a difference to 41,541 lives.”

The regional branch needs a new place to store all their furniture in the Eastleigh, Chandler’s Ford or Romsey area for the next ten months. The storage would have to be about 200 sq ft, dry, lockable and on the ground floor. Anyone who can help should call 07982 804415.