The Horsefair Shopping Centre and the Oasis Christian Book Shop will act as drop-off points for the 2009 Samaritan’s Purse Appeal.

Members of the public can fill a shoe box-sized container 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,who has visited Bosnia in the past to meet some of the recipients of the boxes said:”This scheme received a great response last year from local people,we hope 2009 will be just as successful.”

Horsefair Manager,Kevin Smith,said:”This is a great cause to support and I’m pleased that the Horsefair is a drop-off point for the appeal once again.”

Information leaflets with suggestions and guidelines for filling the boxes can be picked up from the Horsefair Information Point or the Oasis Christian Book Shop.

Boxes can be dropped off between 1st – 18th November,at the Horsefair from 8.30am – 4pm,Monday to Friday and 9am -12pm on Saturdays or at the Oasis Christian Book Shop in Norfolk Street,Monday-Saturday fom 9am-5pm,Friday 9am-9pm.In addition,at Walsoken Church’s coffee morning on Friday,6th November from 10am until 12pm.

Maggie Welford (left) Manager of the Oasis Christian Book Shop and Sue Kisby (right) with Horsefair Manager,Kevin Smith.