ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Whilst it starts with the warehouse all set up and running, we now need some shoeboxes in there for people to work on.
So introducing Michael and his team of drivers who will take the vans out each day to collection points all around the GU & KT postcode area, collecting the thousands of shoeboxes that people have lovingly put together.

It's quite a task getting to all these sometimes hidden and remote places or battling with the traffic to ensure all the collections are met.
The vans have to be properly packed or the boxes may get damaged or fall open in transit and all the boxes have to be counted and numbers noted.

We must not forget that lots of people kindly use their own vehicles to collect boxes and bring them in. Stephen and Ellie Shurville do this each year, as do many of our KT people who we are just starting to get to know. These people also do a vital job in bringing the shoeboxes into the warehouse.
In addition to that, many people choose to deliver their boxes themselves, bringing them directly into the warehouse and often staying to help.
What would we do without all these willing volunteers?
Whilst most of us may be of the retired category ... and very proud of it too, we thankfully have some young muscle to help us. Alex has been here to give us the muscle we need, helping his Granddad (Gerard) to pack cartons. Marianne ensures lunch is on hand to keep him going.

Hunky or what? But off for a training session prior to his South African volunteering trip... clearly this volunteering runs in the family.