Tired, Relieved and a Bit Sad

Unbelievably it's the last day.

It's hard work filling a container

Hasn't time flown? It seems hardly any time since we were looking for a warehouse, well, let's be honest it's NOT that long since we were looking for a warehouse as it was a close call, but "phew" we did get one and what a warehouse it was, we were all very happy with all the space we had. So yes, time has flown since we were setting up, emptying our lofts, sheds, garages and spare rooms.  Today we spent a great deal of the day clearing and packing up.
Tired. It has been full on with trying to keep up with the whole process to achieve the number of boxes we have checked and made ourselves. Did you know we processed 14,627 boxes, that is only 373 boxes short of our 15,000 target and 125 less than last year? Many warehouses are 10% down…. thankfully not the GU Area.
Relieved. That it went so smoothly, thanks to our fantastic team who are just brilliant. Thanks to Carolyn who has given us a solid foundation to build on and thanks to Heather for her organisational skills.
A Bit Sad. That it's all over and gone so fast, we had to say goodbye to all our friends who have become so close. Also some of us are wondering what ARE we going to do with ourselves now? Thankfully it's Christmas! That should take up some of our time!!

Yes those last couple of cartons

Another Container
Today we sent our second container, that was 824 cartons which is 8094 shoeboxes. That number includes some of Esher's boxes. There are off to Azerbaijan. The rest in the warehouse will be collected by Eastleigh tomorrow and then on their way to Swaziland .

Container packed and ready for the off

What's Next?
Well, we all go off and catch up on all the things we have ignored for three weeks and then enjoy the festive season. Naturally we start all over again, we will be encouraging others to do shoeboxes, giving talks and collecting fillers, those lofts will not be empty for long.

Heather handing over to Darren

Of course we will have a Thank You evening which you will be invited too but for the warehouse, we won't be there next year as Darren is starting an exciting new venture. Hopefully by March 2014 it will be all set up to be a trampoline venue, called Air Hop. We will be keeping in touch with Darren as he was really taken with our operation and wants to keep in touch, likewise we will be popping in to see him and his team and see how his business develops.

Last goodbye in an empty warehouse

And of course, thanks to Jenny for writing the blog!