A CHRISTMAS shoebox charity has asked people to start thinking about gathering gifts for children in Romania.

Last year Boxes of Hope Cumbria delivered more than 11,000 festive parcels filled with presents, thanks to the kindness and charitable nature of those in Furness and South Lakeland.

The charity sends a team – led by seven trustees with more than 100 volunteers – each year to give out the shoebox gifts, with help from a well-respected Romanian Christian charity, People to People.

There are no staff costs, so any surplus money goes straight to school projects in deprived villages in the eastern European country.

Rhona Teale, a trustee member of the Barrow branch, said: "I am feeling very positive about it.

"I'm really pleased that Barrow Women's Community Matters have donated the facility that will be our warehouse."

People of all ages in south Cumbria have shown they love to fill a shoebox in previous years.

It is a simple and fun thing to do, doesn't have to cost a lot of money, and it really does make a difference to a child who has none of the basics we take for granted.

Many of the children have never had a gift in their lives or even a toy.

Boxes of Hope volunteers are encouraging people to start looking for empty shoeboxes and for bargains such as toiletries, stationery, warm hats, scarves, gloves and socks, small toys or games and sweets.

Mrs Teale said: "I've made 50 shoeboxes so far.

"The best things to put in them are stationery because they don't get it given in schools out there and a pencil sharpener is a must.

"They love those bouncy balls and we like to have a toy car in every box."

Further details of where to drop off shoeboxes will follow in October, and you can find out more at www.boxesofhopecumbria.co.uk and on the charity's Facebook page.

To get in touch, email info@boxesofhopecumbria.co.uk.