Hundreds of readers have donated hygiene kits, blankets and clothes to send to refugees trapped on the Albanian and Macedonian borders.

"We have been overwhelmed by the response," said Guardian editor Sue Briggs.

"I think it shows just how much the plight of the Kosovans has touched everyone in Knutsford."

Yesterday (Tuesday) the Guardian's Toft Road offices were piled high with bin liners and carrier bags.

Our phones have also been ringing non-stop with readers offering support.

One reader brought in 12 specially made-up hygiene kits on Friday, another donated 12 pairs of children's shoes and a third a huge teddy bear.

Others have donated clothes they'd been storing for years as keepsakes in their attic.

On Monday Chelford-based haulage firm Irlams, which is supporting the Guardian's campaign, said it was on standby to transport the aid to the Children's Aid Direct warehouse in Reading.

"It's lovely to see such a good response and I think this has really touched a lot of people," said Irlams' marketing manager Olivia Norbury.

Clothes and blankets have also been left at Sainsbury's in Northwich and on Monday staff at Knutsford High School rang to offer their support.

On Monday, Margaret Ruxton, of Children's Aid Direct, thanked everyone in Knutsford for their support.

"We are still appealing for hygiene kits, though, because we have had a lot of clothes and we want to send out balanced loads," she said.

Each hygiene kit - wrapped in a clear plastic bag - should contain four bars of soap, a tube of toothpaste, a toothbrush, a flannel, a sponge and a signed greetings card.

They can be dropped off at the Guardian office (next to the information centre) each weekday between 9am and 5pm.

Blankets, sheets, disposible nappies and women's toiletries are also desperately needed by aid workers. They too can be left at our Toft Road office.

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