Happiness is . . . a shoebox of gifts

As editor Lynn Hughes says: “There’s always a magnificent response to our Operation Christmas Child appeal. It makes for a particularly heart-warming start to the festive season.”

The charity Samaritan’s Purse runs the campaign every year and the Herald&Post is proud to be a drop-off point.

The lovingly-filled shoeboxes are distributed to Third World children like Esma and Resye (above).

Home is a damp little room in a disused railway container and the children were wide-eyed with astonishment and delight when the boxes were delivered.

Their mother said: “You have brought us love from far away. This means so much because we cannot give them anything.

“Thank you to whoever did this. We will never forget you.”

> You can take part by filling a shoebox with gifts for a girl or boy in one of three age groups.

Download details at www.samaritans-purse.org.uk