A housebuilder has received nearly 500 shoeboxes crammed with Christmas gifts for deprived children.

This was after an appeal by Barratt Homes for the items to be set to its bases in Kent and Sussex the sales and marketing suite for its new development at Richmond Park in Whitfield.

The 486 boxes, sent in one week, will be for the Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child campaign, and they will be distributed to children across the world.

Operation Christmas Child began in 1990 and has now delivered shoeboxes filled with gifts to more than 188 million children in more than 150 countries.

People in Dover delivered shoeboxes containing treats including colouring pens, soft toys and hygiene.

Natalie Perry, sales and marketing director for Barratt Kent, said: “It is so exciting to kickstart the season of giving in Dover as part of our annual Operation Christmas Child collection.

"Once again, the community turned out in full force to support this initiative and their generosity will bring festive cheer to children in need across the globe this Christmas."

Barratt Kent is currently building homes at Richmond Park. Currently available are a selection of three-bedroom homes, with prices starting at £312,995.

Samaritan's Purse is Christian humanitarian aid organization helping to provide, for example, disaster relief and safe drinking water in deprived countries.

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