SAMARITAN'S Purse, the Eastleigh-based Christian charity, has launched its Operation Christmas Child (OCC) project 2000.

Last year, with the help of Daily Echo readers, the charity sent 65,000 shoeboxes full of children's gifts to youngsters in war-torn Kosovo.

This Christmas, the OCC appeal will provide parcels for needy children in Kosovo, other countries around the Balkans and former Eastern-block countries where the charity operates.

The charity is looking for thousands of people in Hampshire to pack a shoebox and deliver it to its warehouse. Lewis Aubry, project co-ordinator, said: "Thanks to the support of Daily Echo readers, last year we broke all records for boxes.

"We hope churches and schools will back us again this year, and will introduce our appeal to everyone they know. As a charity we aim to bring a little bit of hope and comfort to children for whom Christmas Day would just be another day of the year without our gifts.

"I cannot explain what a difference it makes to a youngster to receive a simple box containing a few toys and goodies.

"When you have lost everything, including your family through war, even the gift of a toothbrush is special to a child when they realise it was sent by someone thousands of miles away who wanted to say they care."

Samaritan's Purse has printed leaflets explaining what goods are needed including small toys and games, stationery, books, confectionery, toiletries, clothing and letters. There are also items that must not be packed including glass, medicines, foodstuffs, aerosols, toys needing batteries, and any toys representing weapons such as guns.

For details of how you can help, call Lewis on 023 8061 8705.

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