In all, OCC Galway expects about 17,000 shoeboxes to leave Ballybrit, Tuam and Ballinasloe, the remainder of which will go to some Eastern European destinations – Belarus, Croatia, Romania or Ukraine. The shoebox is an expression of love and concern for the families and children who do not enjoy the same standard of living as we do. In many cases they will represent the only gift a child will receive this Christmas.