HUNDREDS of shoeboxes filled with gifts have been donated by Basingstoke schools, organisations and businesses for needy children this Christmas.

Colourful parcels have been donated to the Rotary Shoebox Appeal by generous people across the borough, and members of the Rotary Clubs of Basingstoke, Basingstoke Deane and Basingstoke Loddon have prepared them to be shipped off to children in Africa and Eastern Europe in time for Christmas.

Alan Gibson, International Service chairman of the Basingstoke Deane Rotary club, said: “The appeal has continued on longer this year as boxes have been coming in later than in previous years, but the volume is as great or greater than in previous years.

“We have had a wider spread of people, with more companies making donations as well as the dedicated people who donate every year.

“Scouts and Guides have all done very well and local schools have had some excellent results – one school had virtually donated one shoebox per pupil.”

It is only the second year that the three Basingstoke clubs have combined their efforts, which last year resulted in a total of 1,900 shoeboxes being collected.

Kind-hearted residents dropped off 84 boxes at The Gazette offices, in Pelton Road, Basingstoke, while students, staff and parents at Brighton Hill Community College, in Brighton Way, Basingstoke, donated just over 300 boxes in a campaign co-ordinated by Vicky Kingswood.

Mrs Kingswood, learning mentor of one of the school’s vertical tutor groups, said: “It’s great because all the kids are involved and it gets them in the Christmas spirit.”

The boxes filled with all sorts of gifts, including toys, puzzles, stationery, games, gloves and accessories, will be delivered to young, underprivileged children in Tanzania, Montenegro and Romania who would otherwise not receive Christmas presents.