AS CHRISTMAS goodies fill the shop shelves, Huddersfield people are being urged to think of children in poverty- stricken countries.

International aid charity Samaritan's Purse has launched its annual Operation Christmas Child appeal.

The involves filling thousands of shoeboxes with small, useful gifts.

They are taken by Samaritan's Purse and distributed to children in eastern European countries such as war-torn Serbia.

Boxes should be packed with a boy or girl from one of three age groups in mind - two to four years, five to nine or 10 to 14.

Cuddly toys, a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, pencils, pens, paper, crayons, warm clothes such as gloves, non-electric toys and sweets can be packed into a medium-sized shoebox wrapped in festive paper.

The box should be labelled with the age group and gender and secured with an elastic band.

A £2 cheque should be enclosed to pay for shipping. A greetings card or picture of the sender can be included.

Items such as glass, liquids, sharp objects, war-related items like toy guns, battery operated items, religious or racial material, books with words, medicines and short sell by date foods should not be packed.

Dixons car dealers, of Leeds Road in Huddersfield, have supported the appeal for the past four years. The showroom is one of 60 nationwide which will be acting as drop-off points for shoeboxes.

Last year, Dixons nationally collected 15,000 boxes. This year the target is 30,000.

Boxes can be taken to drop-off points between November 5 and 20.

Dixon Nissan will be taking boxes and Dixon staff will be visiting participating local schools to pick up large collections of shoeboxes.

Mike Haddock, Operation Christmas Child co-ordinator at Dixon Nissan in Huddersfield, said: "We aim to give underprivileged children a Christmas present to open."

Also acting as drop-off points are Co-op stores throughout the Huddersfield area.

Samaritan's Purse will collect lots of 50 boxes or more.

For your nearest drop-off point, or for further information, phone 0870 011 2002 or visit www.samaritanspurse.uk.com