More than 100 dedicated volunteers are working shifts to make sure an estimated 8,000 shoeboxes packed with presents get to youngsters in Eastern Europe and Africa.

A building in the Stour Valley Business Centre has been loaned to the charity Samaritan’s Purse as a processing centre for its Operation Christmas Child appeal.

Boxes wrapped in festive paper have poured in from schools, churches, and other donors in the CO postcode area.

Each one has its contents carefully checked to make sure it only contains suitable gifts. Items knitted through the year by volunteers are added if there is room.

The boxes are then stacked up to await collection by the charity which delivers them to its partners in deprived countries in time for Christmas.

It is the first time Sudbury has been a major collection point for the operation, which is supported by thousands of people in the area. Previously there was a smaller centre in Clare where boxes could be taken.

Co-ordinator Nena, who doesn’t want her surname used because she prefers not to take the credit for running the operation, said: “The boxes make such a difference. You wouldn’t believe the joy on children’s faces when they hold up a toothbrush, or try on a woolly hat.

“Many of them have never seen toys before, let alone owned one, and have never had anything new. Paper and pencils can be a child’s way in to school because in some countries they have to take their own.

“Samaritan’s Purse is a Christian charity but the boxes are completely unconditional. No cultural or religious items are included.

She said the shoeboxes also gained the trust of communities and often led to opportunities to help in other ways.

“Our volunteers were asked to help in Beslan after the massacre of the children in the school in 2004 because people knew and trusted us.”

She said they were very grateful to businessman Bob Bettis, owner of Stour Valley Business Centre, who not only loaned the warehouse but also provided equipment.

Mr Bettis, who runs an archive storage company, said: “We had the empty building so it was something we were able to do, and it is a very good cause. They do a fantastic job.”

barbara.eeles@sudburytoday.co.uk