HUNDREDS of gift filled shoeboxes are making their way from Llanfair Caereinion to children living in West Africa this Christmas.

The generosity of Caereinion High School, Ysgol Llanerfyl, Ysgol Pont Robert, Ysgol Banw, Ysgol Llanfair Caereinion, Castle Caereinion Primary School, Ysgol Rhiw Bechan and Welshpool Methodist Church has resulted in 262 Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes being sent to children in need in Liberia.

Organisers say this year’s Shoebox Appeal donations more than doubled the 2018 target.

Emma Fitzgerald, shoebox appeal co-ordinator at Caereinion High School, said that they had been given a “fantastic response” to this year’s appeal.

Mrs Fitzgerald said: “This is such a lovely appeal to be a part of, and a great message for our students and families, to learn that there are many unprivileged children in this world, that will receive a special gift this year.”

Local primary school collected 65 shoeboxes, 64 boxes were donated by Welshpool Methodist Church and 133 gift boxes were collected by pupils and staff at Caereinion High School.

A team of students from all year groups at Caereinion High School visited local primary schools, and classes within the secondary school, to promote the annual festive appeal.

Sixth Formers at Caereinion High School organised a male leg wax event when pupils paid to wax the students’ legs.

Year 9 pupil Joe Corstorphine raised £40.20 in donations at a local event which boosted the school’s fundraising towards buying items to fill extra shoeboxes to more than £180.

Sixth Form students also raised money for Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal by holding a bake sale at the school.

Operation Christmas Child is the Samaritan’s Purse campaign that helps people send shoeboxes of toys and supplies to children in need around the world.