One of the UK's most inspirational children's charities is launching its 2008 campaign in Pembrokeshire this week.
Operation Christmas Child is one of the most remarkable annual charity programmes in the UK - now in its 19th year - which collects gift-filled shoeboxes to distribute to needy children in Eastern Europe and Africa at Christmas.
Last year, Operation Christmas Child delivered 1.3 million shoeboxes from the UK.
Operation Christmas Child Area co-ordinator, Ted Bird, commented: "Many schools, community organisations, churches, businesses and individuals throughout Pembrokeshire took part last year and donated a total of 3,100 shoeboxes full of presents, which meant so much to the children who received them - they were thrilled. Our aim is to keep this terrific effort going in 2008."
Groups and individuals in Fishguard, Pembroke Dock, Haverfordwest, Tenby, Pembroke, Newport and Milford Haven took part. The gift-filled boxes were checked at the charity's warehouse in Pontyclun before being transported to Belarus, Kosova, Serbia and Ukraine.
"Any school, church, company, organisation or individual that wants to take part can contact Operation Christmas Child via our website or helpline and they will receive a simple set of instructions explaining what to do. The guidelines suggest what to put in a shoebox, how to pack it, and where to send it for collection and onward transportation. All we ask is for a £2.50 contribution towards promotion, transport, processing and distribution, and that the shoeboxes be ready by November 18th at the latest."
Anyone wishing to participate in the Operation Christmas Child 2008 appeal should visit http://www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk">www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk or contact the Helpline on 0870 011 2002.