BOB James was lost for words when he came back from Serbia after seeing the homeless children's faces as they pulled open their shoeboxes.

It was his turn this year, as a major organiser for the Samaritan's Purse Christmas Child Appeal, to help deliver the presents in person.

Bob's been working flat out every day since early October, giving talks to schools and organisations in four counties, going back to collect shoeboxes, then working each evening checking the boxes with his band of volunteers and stacking them for collection.

"At the beginning of an appeal I sometimes ask why I put myself through it all each year, but as soon as I get into the war- torn countries and see the children's faces light up - I know full well why," he told the Journal.

"The contrast between them with so little, and us with so much, is overwhelming. Everything they stand up in is sent from charities abroad. They live in orphanages, or refugee camps, with very few facilities, but when we turn up we are greeted with beaming smiles."

Bob, who is a retired Long Lartin prison officer, left for Belgrade, Serbia, on December 5 with seven other Samaritan's Purse organisers. They were met by the Rev Danny Kurangi and driven to Novi Sad.

The visitors were put up in a very basic motel with no hot water, and were glad to set off early on Sunday to an orphanage in Sonbar. Bob said: "It looked bleak outside and in, but the children's rooms had pictures on the walls they had put up themselves from old magazines and newspaper cuttings, which looked more cheerful. Sadly, the girls there have no use for bobbles and slides, as they have to have their heads shaved like the boys, to keep lice at bay."

Bob said the orphanage cared for about 380 children, many of whom have never known what it is like to have parents.

On the Monday, the visitors travelled to a refugee camp inside an old hospital near Novi Sad, then on to a state run orphanage for young people with learning difficulties.

Some of the youngsters were in their 20's, but were delighted to receive children's shoe boxes to match their mental age.

Bob said: "Cuddly toys go down very well, and one little child had never blown bubbles before - it was wonderful to see. Another little girl just widened her eyes and said "wow" when she opened a little compact with a mirror inside.

"Pens and papers are also marvellous. Some of the refugees whose whole families have one room to live in, were professional people before they were homeless, and talented artists," said Bob. Many tears were shed by Samaritan's Purse volunteers before it was time to return home on Tuesday - tired but happy.

Shoeboxes are just part of the international operation involving European countries and America, which also supplies essential aid such as food, cooking utensils, tents, clothing and sleeping bags throughout the year.

From now until Christmas Eve Bob and his band of volunteers will be collecting the last batches of shoeboxes from Kwik Fit garages around the four counties. He says it is still not too late to lend a hand at the warehouse in St Richard's Road on the Four Pools Estate in Evesham any evening from 6 to 9pm and also Saturday mornings.

Bob believes the total number of shoeboxes collected from his patch in Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire is going to well exceed his target of 80,000.