Young and old across Wiltshire are being urged to spread Christmas cheer to deprived children in Eastern Europe by filling shoeboxes with goodies.

Regional manager of Operation Christmas Child, Roger Fenton, said: “The children receiving them have difficult lives. They may be ill in hospital. Many live in orphanages or street shelters.”

Among those who are doing their bit are pupils at Wansdyke School in Devizes.

Teacher Jan Chapman said: “We have been taking part in Operation Christmas Child for the last few years.

“We average 100 shoeboxes every year. We feel it is a very good project to take part in and we get a good response from our parents.

“The children understand who the shoeboxes go to as they watch videos of the shoeboxes being delivered and they see the joy on the children’s faces.”

The charity suggests sending inexpensive gifts such as crayons, books, soft toys, socks and a toothbrush.

However, food, medicine, vitamins, war-related toys, sharp objects, liquid and aerosols are banned.

Shoe boxes are sent via the Operation Christmas Child warehouse in Melksham to Bosnia, Mozambique, Serbia, Ukraine and other countries.

Mr Fenton said that the shoeboxes are distributed unconditionally, with nothing asked of the children or their family.

Boxes must be submitted by November 18, and can be dropped off at Gazette and Herald offices in Devizes, Chippenham and Marlborough.