I would like to thank everyone who has helped in any way to make this year’s Operation Christmas Child Christmas Shoebox Collection such a resounding success.

As a result of the generosity of people in the Scarborough, Filey, Whitby and Ryedale areas, we have been able to send 5,890 gift-filled shoeboxes to needy children in Romania.

So many people have helped in different ways. We wish to thank all the many schools, churches, groups and individuals who have filled shoboxes kindly given out by shoe shops.

Local businesses acted as drop-off points for the filled shoe boxes. A team of approximately 60 volunteers worked in the Shoebox Warehouse in Scarborough, processing the shoe boxes.

We are grateful to Scarborough Borough Council for loaning us the tables which were used at the warehouse.

When the Romanian truck had to be loaded with 600 cartons of shoe boxes, we were helped in this task by Scarborough Community Payback Team.

A local firm willingly provided a fork-lift truck and driver to help too.

I know that as a result of the generosity of so many people in this area there will be 5,890 needy children in Romania who understand the charity’s slogan “Love in a Box” this Christmas.

We send grateful thanks and best wishes for Christmas and the New Year to you all.

Ros Dyson, Voluntary area co-ordinator, Operation Christmas Child