A CHARITY which sends Christmas gifts to children living in poverty is appealing for donations.

Operation Christmas Child is calling on individuals and families in Waltham Forest to save their spare change and use the resulting sum to buy gifts to send to disadvantaged children overseas.

Gordon McCann, regional manager of Operation Christmas Child for Waltham Forest said: “The shoeboxes are going to be even more important this year because of the impact of the global recession.

"We are very aware of the effect of the downturn on families here at home, but there are many vulnerable children and orphans we are seeking to support in countries where difficult situations have been made even worse by the recession."

Boxes usually contain gifts like crayons, pens, toothbrush and toothpaste and a soft toy. Many are sent to children in orphanages or street shelters, or those in hospital or living with families experiencing real hardship.

Operation Christmas Child will be accepting shoeboxes until November 18 before transportating and distributing for which a £2.50 contribution is requested to help cover costs.

Visit www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk and click on ‘Where to take your boxes’ to find out the nearest drop off point or call 0870 011 2002.