Fill a shoebox with gifts for children

And once again we know our compassionate, kind-hearted readers will flock to fill shoeboxes with festive gifts for needy children in the Third World.

Last year you excelled yourselves - more than 400 boxes, wrapped in Christmas paper and containing lovingly chosen presents for little ones a world away – left our offices in Upper George Street.

They brought joy to so many young people and this year we’re hoping to beat our already impressive record, one that increases year on year.

OCC Bedfordshire regional manager Gordon McCann said: “We are one of the UK’s largest annual children’s charity projects and distributed more than one million gift-filled boxes last year.

“They went to vulnerable children in Kyrgystan, Romania and Serbia. It’s wonderful to think that we are a small part of such a large global project that is doing so much good for children.”

“This is our 21st year of OCC and the level of support from across the county is vital to its continued success.

“Our main aim has remained constant – to bring some happiness and hope to tens of thousands of youngsters, many of whom live in very difficult conditions including displaced persons’ camps and street shelters.”

Friday, November 18 is the deadline for filled shoeboxes to be dropped off at Media House, 39 Upper George Street, Luton LU1 2RD.

> For more information call 0870 011 2002 or visit www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk to download instructions.