Churches Together, made up of Market Weighton’s places of worship, has launched Operation Christmas 2008 in which they ask people to donate presents to be then sent off to children living in poor eastern European countries.

The goodies will be packed up in shoeboxes before being sent. Gillian Riley of Churches Together, said: “This has been growing over the last two years as people throughout the community fill shoeboxes that are then sent abroad to children who would not otherwise receive a Christmas gift.” As part of the gifts, people can donate toys such as teddy bears, jigsaws or toy cars and dolls.

Stationery such as felt pens and colouring books can be included, along with toiletry items like toothbrushes and soap. Food, liquids, medicine or war-related toys such as guns or soldiers will not be accepted. For further details of how to become involved or where to deliver shoeboxes please phone Gillian on (01430) 873695.

Market Weighton’s schools and community groups will all take part culminating in a shoebox Sunday service to be held at the town’s All Saints’ Church on 16 November at 3pm.