COMMUNITY groups, schools and churches in Thurrock are once again being asked to support Operation Christmas Child which this week launches its 2007 appeal in Essex.

The charity collects gift-filled shoeboxes to distribute to needy children at Christmas in Eastern Europe and Africa.

Last year the Christian charity project delivered 1.24 million shoeboxes from the UK, including 50,300 from Essex.

Operation Christmas Child's Regional Manager Sheila Heaton hopes to collect even more shoeboxes in 2007: "People throughout Essex made a tremendous contribution last year. Indeed, Essex communities have shown great generosity over several years, and we need their help to keep this effort going because there are many places where children are suffering from natural disasters, illness, war and poverty.

"We all see in the news, far too often, sadly, children left with nothing through no fault of their own, and the simple act of packing a shoebox with a few gifts has a very positive impact on them, and their families, too.

"We deal with people living in some dreadful situations. For example, in Serbia, there are Roma families living in makeshift shelters under bridges in Belgrade, meaning children die of bronchial diseases in the low winter temperatures; in Belarus, some parents who cannot find work turn to alcohol and abandon their children in orphanages, many which are grey, colourless, draughty and have no budget for heating or nourishing food; we help children orphaned as a result of the HIV and AIDS pandemic in several countries, including Ukraine, Mozambique and Swaziland; in Armenia and Azerbaijan many thousands of IDPs (Internally Displaced Peoples) still live in converted water tanks and old railway carriages; and in Kiev homeless children are living in the sewers.

"The shoeboxes have a very positive impact on the children receiving them, as many would have nothing at Christmas time if it were not for these gifts. Often the children watch aid arrive in their communities, but it always goes to the adults - this programme crouches down to the level of the children, giving them significance for the first time in their lives. It reminds them that someone is thinking of them at Christmas and has taken time to choose presents for them. It is very much a direct gift, going from someone here in the UK to a child who greatly appreciates what he or she receives, and that is what is special about Operation Christmas Child.

"Any school, church, company, organisation or individual that wants to help can contact Operation Christmas Child via our web site or Helpline and they will receive a simple set of instructions explaining what they need to do.

"The guidelines explain what to put in the shoebox, how to pack it, and where to send it for collection and onward transportation. All we ask is for a £2 contribution towards promotion, transport, processing and distribution, and that boxes be ready no later than November 20.

"At the final destination the boxes are distributed to needy children regardless of their nationality, political background or religious beliefs. It's a very simple process, but means so much to the children."

Anyone wishing to participate in the Operation Christmas Child 2007 appeal should log on to www.samaritanspurse.uk.com or contact the Helpline on 0870 011 2002 or 01993 770652.