WESTMORLAND Gazette readers are being invited to share Christmas joy with some of Romania's poorest children again this year.

Local humanitarian aid charity Boxes of Hope Cumbria is spreading the word about its 2016 shoebox campaign, which relies on the generosity of people across south Cumbria, Eden and Furness.

This year the charity hopes to put the emphasis on fun, says volunteer Nicola Steadman, and would like to ensure that each child has a toy in their shoebox. "Toy cars are the most popular!" she told the Gazette.

Schools, churches, families and individuals are being encouraged to seek out empty shoeboxes and inexpensive items such as pens and pencils, dolls, cars, tennis balls, sweets, soap and face cloths, warm hats, gloves, scarves and socks.

Last year 11,217 shoeboxes were hand-delivered by volunteers from Cumbria to some of Romania's neediest villages, where children may never have received a Christmas gift.

With no staff to pay, Boxes of Hope Cumbria spends any surplus funding on educational support, such as sponsoring pupils at Tinca School.

Children and adults alike love to fill a shoebox – it is a simple and fun thing to do," said Nicola. "It 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.

"For these children there is none of the commercialisation we endure for weeks leading up to Christmas. Many of them have never in their lives had a gift. Many have never had a toy."

Shoeboxes can be dropped off at collection points from November 1 to 12, together with a £2 donation for transport costs. Full drop-off details will be released nearer the time.

For more, visit www.boxesofhopecumbria.co.uk or the charity's Facebook page, or email info@boxesofhopecumbria.co.uk