School children in Wolverhampton fill shoeboxes for Eastern European youngsters
Youngsters are getting into the generous festive spirit after stuffing their shoeboxes with treats for deprived children.
Pupils from Wolverhampton schools have been busy filling the boxes with items ready to be shipped out in time for Christmas.
The children are set to bring a smile to thousands in Eastern Europe as part of the Operation Christmas Child appeal, led by national charity Samaritan's Purse UK.
Volunteer Janice Wallbridge said: "It's so important because these boxes will go to a child who will have nothing at Christmas. It's a real gift for children in Wolverhampton to give to a child.
"I think its a great thing to do. They will know there is a child in Eastern Europe who will open their shoebox up and be so delighted at Christmas because it means so much to them."
Mrs Wallbridge has been popping into city schools, encouraging pupils to take part in the appeal for the last six years.
Previous years have seen children pack their shoeboxes before the presents were whisked off to Macedonia and Croatia.
Schoolchildren can stuff their empty shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, small items of clothing, and accessories.
Mrs Wallbridge said the appeal was 'fantastic', adding: "This is also a personal thing - for every child to know that at Christmas, when they are opening their toys, a child somewhere else is opening their box. It will give so much pleasure."
Operation Christmas Child has brought a sprinkle of happiness to more than 146 million children living in more than 150 countries since its launch in 1990.
Families across Wolverhampton are now being urged to fill their shoeboxes and drop them off at designated spots by Saturday, November 18.
Boxes can be left with staff at Shoe Zone and The Entertainer, both in the Mander Centre.
For more information see samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/
