Operation Christmas Child’s 2013 appeal is on track to top last year’s record-breaking effort, as shoeboxes pour in from across the county.

Wrapped boxes of gifts, donated to the Samaritan’s Purse charity, are distributed to children across eastern Europe and Africa, from the charity’s Bowerhill depot.

The appeal’s area coordinator, Hilary McFall said: “We had more boxes in the first week than ever before.

“Our manic week will be next week. Our first lorry leaves for Belarus on Monday and we’ve got the Melksham Brownies coming on Wednesday night with their boxes. There are lots of volunteers down at the depot, who will be working very hard over the next few weeks.

“We’ve also got the shoebox service at Melksham Baptist Church on Sunday, at 10.30am, which I’ll be taking. People will bring their boxes along and we’ll have a celebration of songs, a video and a shoebox cake. Anybody who wants to come along is very welcome.”

Filled boxes can be left at the depot or at various stores across the county, including Melksham’s Specsavers in High Street, which has been collecting for the first time.

Optical assistant Suzanne Cox said: “We’ve got about 15 so far. Lots of people are coming in and asking for leaflets, then they’ll be bringing their boxes in before we have to take them down to Bowerhill.”

If you take part in the appeal, or have pictures, email wtimes@newswilts.co.uk.

* Drop-off points: Wiltshire Times, Duke Street, Trowbridge; Shoe Zone, Fore Street, Trowbridge; Samaritan’s Purse, Hercules Way, Bowerhill; Specsavers, Bank Street, Melksham; Tillions, The Shambles, Bradford on Avon; Sainsbury’s, Elm Cross, Bradford on Avon; Chantry TV, High Street, Westbury; Warminster Prep School, Vicarage Street; Warminster Information Centre.