KIND-hearted people across south Cumbria, Eden and Furness are once again filling shoeboxes with Christmas joy for some of Eastern Europe's poorest children.

Local humanitarian aid charity Boxes of Hope Cumbria has released the list of drop-off points where gift-wrapped boxes can be taken between November 1 and 12, together with a £2 donation for transport costs.

Once again the Westmorland Gazette office at Wainwright's Yard is taking part in the much-loved charity appeal, and there are collection points everywhere from Appleby to Witherslack, Ulverston to Grasmere and Sedbergh.

The charity is hoping to ensure that every child has a toy in their shoebox, with cars being the most popular. Schools, churches, families and individuals are being encouraged to seek out inexpensive items such as pens and pencils, dolls, 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.

This year's drop-off points include:

Kendal - Westmorland Gazette; Frothimoon; Kendal Leisure Centre; Kendal Seat

Grange-over-Sands - Grange Now; Tourist Information Centre; Bay Search & Rescue charity shop

Witherslack - Witherslack Community Shop

Ambleside - Hayes Garden World

Windermere - Mountain Goat Tours

Bowness - Hubble Bubble

Grasmere - The Wordsworth Hotel

Burton-in-Kendal - the King’s Arms

Kirkby Lonsdale - GR and RD Taylor; Love the Lune

Sedbergh - Post Office; Tourist Information Centre

Barrow-in-Furness - North West Evening Mail office; St Matthew’s Community Centre; Tracey Wells Hairdressers

Dalton-in-Furness - Wynsors World of Shoes

Appleby - Stephenson’s Fruit and Vegetables

Kirkby Stephen - Mic Macs.

For full addresses and opening times, visit www.boxesofhopecumbria.co.uk