Call to back seasonal shoebox appeal

Shoeboxes packed with donated toys and treats have been sent to disadvantaged children in 156 countries thanks to the Operation Christmas Child Appeal run by Samaritans Purse.

And festive Rotherham folk have delivered in the past, donating around 4,000 packages per year.

This year, the charity operation is hoping to send shoeboxes to over one million deprived youngsters.

Anything from cuddly toys to hats, scarves, gloves, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bars of soap, writing and colouring equipment to small jigsaws, tennis balls and small toys can be put into the boxes.

All must be new or nearly new.

Anyone wanting to donate a shoebox to the campaign can do so at: Shoe Zone, Effingham Street; A2 Dental studio, Effingham Square; Tesco Extra, Drummond Street; Asda, Dalton; Beauty by Pene at Techniques, Parkgate; and Madheads hair stylist, Wellgate.

Completed boxes must be left at these stores between the November 13 and 24.

q For more information about the Operation Christmas Child campaign visit www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk.