It has travelled more than 4,000km. Sixteen years have passed. It was like a message in a bottle but this was a gift in a shoebox.

Schoolchildren are getting into the Christmas spirit this week, sending millions of gifts to needy children in Africa and Eastern Europe.

When optimist Anna set off on her epic journey to find her sister Elsa, just before Christmas last year, few would have predicted that Disney’s Frozen would become the top grossing animated film of all time, with merchandise flying off the shelves for captivated young fans. 

This year’s Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal is aiming to deliver 200,000 shoeboxes full of gifts to needy children from Africa to Eastern Europe.

The resignation of a senior figure from Cork’s Penny Dinners charity has ended a 150-year Quaker link to the soup kitchen.

Children all over the country will be making their lists, and checking them twice as they tune into The Late Late Toy Show.

TEAM HOPE have thanked all Macra members who helped check boxes, pack cartons and load lorries at their warehouses across Ireland.

Budgets are tight and bonuses are scarce but this hasn’t stopped Irish companies from getting into the festive spirit for charity. Niamh Hennessy takes a look at what firms did for charity this Christmas.