PEOPLE in Huddersfield are being urged to help put a smile on the faces of children living in poverty this Christmas.

Operation Christmas Child has launched its shoebox appeal, which each year sees thousands of people across West Yorkshire collecting gifts to be sent for needy children in Eastern Europe and Africa at Christmas.

Last year Operation Christmas Child delivered 1.3m shoeboxes from the UK.

Keith Gibbons, regional manager for Operation Christmas Child, said: “Many schools, community organisations, churches, businesses and individuals throughout West Yorkshire took part last year and donated a total of 35,900 shoeboxes full of presents, which meant so much to the children who received them– they were thrilled.

“Our aim is to keep this terrific effort going in 2008.”

Groups and individuals in areas including Huddersfield, the Colne Valley, Heckmondwike and Brighouse took part in last year’s campaign.

The gift-filled boxes were checked at the charity’s warehouses in Meltham, Leeds and Sheffield before being transported to Belarus, Bosnia, Swaziland and Ukraine.

Schools, churches, companies, organisations or individuals wishing to take part in this year’s appeal can contact Operation Christmas Child via the website at www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk or contact the Helpline on 0870 011 2002.