H&P is drop-off point for OCC

This year Samaritan’s Purse – the charity behind the annual appeal – wants to send lots of extra shoeboxes to Syrian refugees in camps in Northern Iraq as well as across Europe.

A spokesperson said: “With your help we can put a smile on the faces of thousands of children who have fled with their families, leaving behind their school, their friends and their toys.”

H&P editor Lynn Hughes said: “Local people have always dug deep to help our Operation Christmas Child appeal and I’m sure this year, with the heartbreaking pictures of bewildered children fleeing the fighing, they will be even more generous.”

School, churches, community groups and individuals are encouraged to lovingly fill shoeboxes with gifts for boys or girls. Download a leaflet with all the instructions at www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

> Drop them off at our office from November 1 - 18.