By Michelle Crean

A whopping 3,000 boxes have been put together thanks to the generosity of the public which will ensure poor kids abroad will have a happy Christmas.

BOXING UP: Sheila Rice and Kathy Ivory pictured in the local Team Hope sorting centre with volunteers sorting boxes in the background. Photo: Michelle Crean

The call was put out, schools and community groups across Killarney and South Kerry banded together and when the truck arrives to pick up the boxes there'll be even more as collections will take place in six more schools next week.

Volunteers have been working tirelessly at the O'Connor Unit on the ground of St Finan's where inside there's hardly a corner which hasn't got a box ready to be transported.

Hours and hours of sorting has taken place with some volunteers giving up full days of their time to make sure the children will get a box filled with colourful items such as toys, clothing, toothbrushes and facecloths.

Sheila Rice, co-ordinator for the Team Hope Shoe Box Appeal, said a lot of work has been put in by everyone involved.

"We have over 3,000 boxes in the centre done with six more schools to do," Sheila told the Killarney Advertiser.

"We are delighted with the response this year. Thanks to all the volunteers who worked so diligently to finalise all these shoeboxes for the vulnerable children, the schools, teachers, pupils/students and parents who supported the charity so willingly. Also to the public who also participated with shoeboxes and filler items and businesses who supported us financially to enable us purchase the fillers the drop off centres."

The Civil Defence provided transport to the far away areas while the HSE facilitated the appeal by allowing use of the O’Connor Unit.

"Thanks to everybody who helped us in anyway."

The last date for handing in boxes to the centre is next Tuesday (November 29) in order to get them ready and shipped out in time to reach the children Christmas day.