Under-privileged children in Romania and the Ukraine will have a happier Christmas, thanks to members of a Canterbury church.

The Trinity Community Church, which is based at St Stephen’s Junior School, is collecting gift-filled boxes for Operation Christmas Child, run by the international Christian relief organisation Samaritan’s Purse.

The church has been appealing for boxes every Christmas for the last four years and last year collected more than 800.

Liz Taylor, who is organising the appeal on behalf of the church, said: “There are three age ranges, two to four, five to nine and 10 to 14.

“Gifts need to be new and can include toys, make-up or toiletries, pens, paper and picture books, sweets with a long sell-by date and hats, gloves or scarves. The charity says no chocolate or underwear.”

She added: “The boxes show the children that somebody else cares. Most of them have never had a Christmas present before and even the shoeboxes are treasured.”

The lids and boxes must be wrapped separately and people are asked to label the age and gender the box is destined for. Samaritan’s Purse is also asking for a £2.50 donation for each box to help with transport costs.

Boxes can be dropped off at St Stephen’s Junior School in Hales Place on Sunday, November 23, between 10.45am and 12.15pm.

Alternatively contact Miss Taylor on 01227 760848, email elizabeth.taylor8@talktalk.net.

•For more information about Operation Christmas Child visit www.samaritanspurse.uk.com