TIME IS GETTING CLOSER.

Now we are well on the way, we have picked up the keys to our warehouse and have been given the security code. We are organising the facilities and planning the layout.

GREAT NEWS.
Earlier in our blog we asked "Why do we do shoeboxes?" The answer was because we love it, together with the happiness it brings to the children who receive a shoebox.

Sadly, one of the London areas didn't manage to get a warehouse this year  and we have been asked to help out (along with other warehouses in and close to London). That means that, in addition to processing all the boxes that we collect from the GU postcode area, we will also process boxes that will come into our warehouse from collections in the South London area. These boxes will be integrated with our own and dealt with in the same way. That means, as well as having a container going to Kyrgyzstan and a lorry to the Ukraine, we will also have the pleasure of seeing a second container going off to Swaziland in Africa. This could be in the region of 7,000 boxes. 

Thankfully we could say yes to this request of help as we are blessed with a fantastic warehouse with plenty of room and a crew of willing volunteers who will no doubt take up this challenge with the enthusiasm required. 

WHAT THE LONDON SHOEBOXES MEAN FOR US? 

Well, apart from more shoeboxes to process, remember 7,000 that is a substantial number, it means we will have to be careful using the fillers people so generously donate to us. We do not want to run short and we have raised some money to make up some of own boxes, we can only do this by raising the £3.00 required for each box and using our own fillers. Also we will have to continue working beyond our previously advertised date of Fri 29 Nov. This means that the warehouse will be open for a 3rd Sat, 30 Nov (from 9.30am to 1pm) and also during the week commencing Mon 2 Dec. We are not sure how many days we will have to operate that week but we will have a better idea nearer the time. You can keep up to date with developments here on our blog. As the warehouse operation gets going we will be aiming to add some information each week day, so you can keep up to date with what is happening even when you aren't there. 

The requirements of the boxes going to Swaziland are the same as Kyrgyzstan and The Ukraine so easily manageable in that respect.

WAREHOUSE PREPARATION.

It is really important that people feel welcome, valued and that their time is well spent when they come to help us, therefore the preparation is a vital part of our operation. We try to have a good working layout, everything in the best place, for example when people walk into the main working area the signing in sheets are right there for them.

The filler tables are placed to help Gill and her team maintain a good supply and also so that those volunteers who are checking boxes can easily access them. 

Once the shoeboxes are checked and sealed, the tables also need to be within easy access and there needs to be enough room for Gerard and his team of packers to work comfortably. 

Then the cartons move to the "completed carton area" well out of the way, but in view for counting and eventually loading on to the container and lorry. 

So it all has to work well and flow easily.

 THE WAREHOUSE

We have been very fortunate this year, we have the room to lay everything out and get the flow we want to achieve. There is a large foyer where we can put a welcoming display. 

Plenty of parking and a very dry and secure building which is not far outside the centre of Guildford so easily accessible. 

Gill has a room to sort her fillers and there is even a room where people can drop their filler donations off so as not to overcrowd the main filler working area. 

We have a super rest area upstairs but of course we will have be able to get refreshments to anyone who cannot manage the stairs.