VALE residents are making a huge difference to many unfortunate children across the world by donating more than 5,000 shoeboxes, as part of the Christmas child shoebox appeal.

Residents and school children have been donating shoeboxes over the last week packed with gifts that will make ideal presents for orphaned children throughout the world.

Bob James, an area co-ordinator for Worcestershire Operation Christmas Child, is responsible for collecting the boxes from the Evesham Journal office in High Street and stores them at a warehouse in Davies Road, Evesham, behind the Evesham Carpet and Vinyl super store. Shoeboxes can also be dropped off at the warehouse.

Mr James is pleased with the overwhelming number of shoeboxes that have been donated by people so far to the Christmas child shoebox appeal.

"In the first week we've already had more than 5,000 boxes and more are still coming in. We're hoping to get 100,000 shoeboxes to provide some of the 7.4 million poverty stricken children with a gift this Christmas," said Mr James.

The boxes collected from Evesham will be taken by lorry to India, the Gambia, Bosnia and Crimea and given to street children. Each boxes, which contains cuddly toys, colouring pencils, stationary, and sweets will be given to homeless children and youngsters caught up in natural disasters.

Mr James added: "We're grateful for all the shoeboxes we've collected so far but many more are still needed.

"We're hoping to beat last year's target of 115,000. So please keep donating those boxes."

The closing date for donating a shoebox packed with gifts for a boy or girl from the age of two to 16 is Friday, November 25.