Operation Christmas Child deadline looms

THERE are just weeks left for people in Rotherham to deliver their gifts to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Operation Christmas Child, which has been running for more than 19 years, sends gift-wrapped shoeboxes packed full goodies to children in Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Last year, more than 1.2 million packages were sent out to young people thanks to an army of volunteers.

And Hazel Adebogun, co-ordinator of Rotherham's appeal, is urging supporters to get their parcels to drop-off points by the November 21 deadline.

"This is a big date in our calendar," she said. "It is the final date by which the many gift-filled shoeboxes can be handed in and still give us enough time to get them to the vulnerable children in several countries where the presents will bring much needed joy this Christmas."

Parcels can be dropped of at Station Road Pentecostal Church (opposite Millmoor), from November 9, or Asda at Aldwarke, Tesco at Forge Island, Hamby's Shoes on Rotherham High Street, Motorcise on Bridgegate, Enterprise Car Hire and Shoe Zone, both in the town centre.

Boxes from Rawmarsh can be left at Rawmarsh Methodist Church and the Evangelical Church on Wellgate will be open tomorrow (24), October 31 and November 1, to receive parcels.

For more information visit www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk or contact 0870 0112002.