KIND-HEARTED residents at a Winsford retirement home have generously donated 28 shoeboxes packed with gifts to disadvantaged children around the world.

Residents at Hazelmere Extra Care development in Winsford filled shoeboxes with gifts for children, many living in poverty in third world countries. 

A total of 28 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.

Amanda Jones, Your Housing Group’s scheme manager at Hazelmere, said: “The residents enjoyed putting boxes together to help disadvantaged children.

“Whilst many residents took it upon themselves to individually fill the boxes, others came together as a joint effort, such as our craft group.

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

The elderly residents, some in their 80s, paid the £3 donation per box to cover the cost of delivery.

To add a personal touch, they also included a photograph of themselves and a special letter for the child who receives each box.

Another Your Housing Group scheme, Beechmere, in nearby Crewe, also got involved, with more than 50 boxes sent in total between the two schemes.

The empty shoeboxes were donated by Brantano, in Crewe.

Ms Jones added: “We all hope that the shoeboxes make a huge difference and bring some happiness to the children who receive the boxes.”