Many organisations and businesses in Knaresborough have contacted the Knaresborough Post to say they’ve been busy collecting Christmas shoeboxes to send to needy children across the world.

Yeomans Outdoor and Camping Supplies shop on Knaresborough High Street has had hundreds of shoeboxes brought in from generous customers who have supported Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child Appeal, the world’s largest children’s Christmas project started in 1990.

Last year the appeal sent 1.3 million shoe boxes from the UK to children in hospitals, orphanages, Internally Displaced Persons camps, homeless shelters and impoverished communities.

Operation Christmas Child is hoping to reach even more children in the poorest parts of the world in 2008.

Yeomans staff members Kerry Hymas, Angela Kitchen and Caroline Peer said last week’s boxes numbered around 500 and were collected last Friday to begin the long journey abroad.

Over 70 Yeomans stores have been involved in this year’s shoebox appeal.

The shoeboxes are filled with presents to be sent to children who have little for themselves and face a bleak Christmas.

l Turn to page nine to see who else has been taking part in the 2008 Shoebox Appeal.