THE middle of summer may seem like a silly time to start thinking about Christmas, but when it comes to one important Cumbrian campaign it's never too early.

Boxes of Hope Cumbria is asking for the public's help in making the festive period special for children in Romania.

The charity will be once again be donating shoeboxes filled with toys, educational supplies, clothing and toiletries to youngsters, many of whom live in poverty.

RELATED ARTICLE: More than 4,000 shoeboxes collected in Barrow for children in Romania

Organisers of the appeal want the public to start hunting for shoeboxes and shopping for gifts ahead of the official campaign which runs from November 1 to 12.

The charity runs five warehouses at the height of the drive in Barrow, Kendal, Ambleside, Kirkby Stephen and Lancaster.

Last year, 11,217 boxes were collected across the county, with 4,263 coming from Barrow.

Details of where to drop off filled shoeboxes, together with the £2 donation for transport costs, will be released in autumn.

Leaflets and donation forms are already available by emailing info@boxesofhopecumbria.co.uk

What you could put in your box

- Something fun - make sure to include a selection of toys and games for child to enjoy. Items like balls, cars, dolls, skipping ropes, and dominoes are great ideas.

- Something to use at school - notebooks, colouring book, pens, crayons, rulers and pencil sharpers are some items a Romanian child can use for learning at school or home.

- Something to wear - due to the cold winters clothes are good things to add to boxes. These could include hats, gloves, scarves, mittens and socks.

- Something sweet - sweets which have a use by date of at least March of next year can be added if wanted.

- Something to keep clean - soap, facecloths, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brushes, combs and hair accessories would make good additions to the box.

What you shouldn't put in your box

- Food (except for sweets)

- Medicines

- Aerosols

- Liquids like shampoo and shower gel

- Glass and other fragile and sharp items

- War related toys

- Novels

- Playdough and plasticine

- Loom bands

For more information, click here .