AN IMPORTANT Christmas charity has urged residents across the borough to send in donations in time for it's annual appeal.

Operation Christmas Child fills shoeboxes of presents for underprivileged children across the world and needs all this year's donated presents in by November 18.

Regional manager Gordon McCann said: “This is a big date on our calendar because it is the final date by which the many gift-filled shoeboxes donated from throughout Redbridge can be handed in and still give us enough time to get them to the vulnerable children in several countries where the presents will bring much-needed joy this Christmas.”

“Our warehouse in Woodford Green is handling shoeboxes coming in from communities across the area, including Aldersbrook, Barkingside, Clayhall, Gants Hill, Goodmayes, Hainault, Ilford, Newbury Park, Redbridge, Seven Kings, Snaresbrook, South Woodford, Wanstead, Woodford and Woodford Green but we do need them by November 18th so that our teams of volunteers can check the boxes prior to shipment.

“We need to be sure they comply with customs requirements and that the contents are suitable for the children to whom they are going.

"Then we pack the shoeboxes in large cartons, load them on to lorries and they set off on their various journeys.”

Children as far afield as Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Montenegro, Mozambique, Romania, Serbia, Swaziland and Ukraine will benefit from the gifts.

To make a donation visit www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk or call 0870 011 2002.