KIND-HEARTED residents at a Crewe retirement home have generously donated 24 shoeboxes packed with gifts for disadvantaged children around the world.

Elderly residents at Beechmere Extra Care development in Crewe, some in their 80s, filled shoeboxes with gifts for children, many living in poverty in third world countries. 

The hand-wrapped boxes were stuffed with toys including cuddly animals and dolls, as well as school supplies and stationery, hats, gloves and scarves, and sweets.

The boxes also contained hygiene items such as toothbrushes, soap and hairbrushes.

Helen Wright, Your Housing Group’s scheme manager at Beechmere, said: “It was great to see the residents coming together to help disadvantaged children.

“They all enjoyed filling the shoeboxes, knowing they could make a huge difference.

“We hope that it brings some joy to the children opening the boxes on Christmas day.”

The good-willed gesture was part of Operation Christmas Child, a charity that sends shoeboxes filled with gifts and essential items to underprivileged children in more than 130 countries.

The elderly residents paid the £3 donation per box to cover the cost of delivery and also included a photograph of themselves and a special letter for the child that receives each box.

Glenyis Jones, 77, who has lived at Beechmere for nearly three years, took the initiative to suggest it to the scheme manager.

Beechmere resident Glenyis Jones said: “Operation Christmas Child is a project that I feel passionate about. I have been involved in this project and making shoeboxes for the last 10 years.

“I am really happy with the result that the residents of Beechmere achieved, although I’m not surprised as they are a very generous bunch of residents.

“We’re hoping to do the same project next year so we can continue bringing a bit of joy to the children."

Some residents who were not able to complete a box made a cash donation to the charity

The empty shoeboxes were donated by Wynsors World of Shoes, in Crewe.