Christmas cheer on its way to children

We predict lots of happy smiles – 269 to be precise – when the gaily wrapped parcels are delivered to youngsters in the Third World.

The boxes will go to a warehouse in Cambridge before being loaded on to lorries to reach their final destination.

Herald&Post editor Lynn Hughes said: “A big thank you to all our generous readers who came through in spite of the credit crunch.

“Many boxes were bulging at the edges they were so full of gifts. And one kind lady knitted a bag full of hats and gloves which will keep lots of little heads and fingers warm this winter.”

If the deadline came round too fast, you can still make a difference by going online.

You can do it through Shoebox World, an innovative website where you can create your shoebox online.

The Operation Christmas Child team will do all the hard work of making it up and sending it out – you can even select a pre-packed option if you’re really in a hurry.

Prices start from just £11 with gifts around 20 percent cheaper than they are on the high street.

A spokesman said: “Most important of all, a child living in Liberia who would otherwise not receive a present will have the joy of receiving your shoebox gift.”

> Simply go to www.operationchristmaschild/shoeboxworld