Shoeboxes stream into our office

It underlines the true meaning of Christmas – giving selflessly – and proves yet again what a kind and generous bunch our readers are.

The shoeboxes are part of our annual appeal on behalf of Operation Christmas Child, a charity that distributes them to under-privileged children in the Third World.

They’re filled with lovingly chosen gifts for little people who have probably never received a present and who are overwhelmed at the thought that strangers so far way would want to help them.

We have readers who look forward to filling shoeboxes year after year. But there are equally as many newcomers who ring up asking for more details.

It’s really easy – all you have to do is decide whether you’d like to pack a shoebox with gifts for a boy or girl, then choose one of three age groups. These are two to four, five to nine and 10 to 14.

OCC suggests they should contain items from four categories – toys, educational supplies, hygiene items and other items (such as sweets, gloves, scarves and bangles).

The charity also asks for a £2.50 minimum donation to help with shipping costs which covers transportation, distribution and promotion.

The Herald&Post is proud to be a drop-off point – deadline is Friday, November 19.

> For more information visit www.samaritans-purse.org.uk