Residents and shoppers in and around Wisbech will have an opportunity to give a gift to children who may not receive any presents this year.

The Horsefair Shopping Centre and its Kodak Shop, plus the town’s Oasis Book Shop, in Norfolk Street, will all become drop-off points for this year’s campaign and members of the public can fill a box with gifts for children aged either; 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14.

Boxes should include, toys such as a teddy bear, ball or jigsaw, an education item, for example a colouring book or pens, and hygiene items like a toothbrush or comb. Other items can include scarves, hats or sunglasses. In addition, a cheque for £2.50 will need to be enclosed to help cover the cost of distribution. Boxes must not include chocolate, food or homemade toys.

The scheme’s coordinator for the Wisbech area, Sue Kisby said: “It was 20 years ago when the appeal’s first shoebox left Wrexham, travelling to orphanages in Romania. Today the shoe boxes go to many other countries from Africa to Asia.”

“Each year we receive a great response from people in and around the Wisbech area, everyone is always really supportive,” she added.

Information leaflets with suggestions and guidelines for filling the boxes and age-group stickers for boys and girls can be picked up from the Horsefair’s Information Point or at the Oasis Book Shop.

Boxes can be dropped off between 1st – 18th November, at the Horsefair’s information point, it’s Kodak Shop and the Oasis Book Shop 9am – 5pm Mon – Sat and on Friday’s up to 9pm.

For any enquiries relating to the appeal, contact Sue Kisby on 01945 588049.

(L-R) Celebrating 20 years of the Samaritan’s Purse campaign, coordinator, Sue Kisby, Horsefair Manager, Kevin Smith and Maggie Welford from the town’s Oasis Book Shop.