CHILDREN have been giving up new toys and presents to take part in Bicester’s shoe box appeal efforts this year.

Pupils of St Edburg’s CE Primary School have once again taken part in Operation Christmas Child.

They have been collecting toys and other gifts to pack into shoeboxes which will be sent overseas to children less fortunate than themselves.

More than 100 boxes were packed, including those from St Edburg’s Church, and taken to the campaign’s warehouse in the town to process through loading and distribution.

Rachel Preston, who organised the school collection, said: “This is a really important charity because it makes such a difference to the lives of children who are experiencing hardship through poverty or war.

“Our children know that these gifts will bring them a lot of happiness. It was great that we could help.”

It has been a community effort from Bicester with residents getting stuck in to the shoebox appeal. One lorry containing thousands of boxes has already moved out to Liberia, in Africa, with further shipments to different areas planned.

There is a number of ‘packing parties’ being held by volunteers at the warehouse in Arkwright Road, and it is open most evenings and some weekends.

To help or donate contact marieconey@hotmail.co.uk or 07814359359