CITY residents can help make it a heart-warming holiday season for deprived youngsters around the world.

The Worcester Lions charity is collecting for Operation Christmas child and needs people’s generous donations to help meet their target to fill 100 boxes to send abroad.

The project, run annually by Samaritan’s Purse, has been operating for 19 years helping youngsters in Eastern Europe, Africa and Central Asia.

Shoe boxes are filled with the donated goods and local groups on the ground in each recipient country make sure the items are delivered to those most in need.

This year, donations of small toys (nothing war-based), educational and stationery supplies, toiletries, tennis balls, gloves, scarves, caps, bangles, sweets (within sell by date) and any other similar items are needed.

The Lions are asking no chocolate, liquids, fragile goods, or food be sent but do need wrapping paper and sticky tape.

Boxes are separately prepared for boys and girls in age groups two to four years, five to nines and 10 – 14s.

To help call Worcester Lions Club on 0845 8335926.