KIND-HEARTED Craven residents are being urged to back this year's Operation Christmas Child appeal.
And staff at Gargrave-based Systagenix have already pledged their support for the initiative, which sees shoeboxes filled with gifts sent to disadvantaged children in Eastern Europe.
Local organiser Marie Chapman, who runs Poppyfields Florists in Gargrave, said: "We usually fill about 1,000 shoeboxes a year - thanks to support from local schools, businesses, churches and individuals.
"It is a non-political initiative. We just want to give a good Christmas to children who have nothing."
Shoeboxes are needed for both boys and girls in three age groups - two to four, five to nine and ten to 14 - and suggested contents include pens, pencils, notebooks, drawing books, soap, flannels and toys.
Filled boxes can be dropped in at Poppyfields between now and November 20.
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