CHRISTMAS may feel a long way away for most of us, but two shoebox appeals are starting in earnest to gather resources for the festive season.

The Trussell Trust's Christmas Box Appeal and the Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child Appeal are both collecting boxes and items which will be sent to people living in poverty in other countries.

Each year the Trussell Trust takes thousands of shoeboxes filled with gifts to some of the poorest people in Bulgaria.

Since 1990, more than 100 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have received shoebox gifts thanks to Operation Christmas Child.

Both of the Okehampton-based appeals are encouraging people to save shoeboxes and, if they can, cover them in wrapping paper and fill them with items and gifts.

A box packing session for the Samaritan's Purse Appeal will take place at Fairplace Church on Thursday, October 31, with a blessing ceremony on November 3.

Trussell Trust Appeal packing will be held on Tuesday, November 12 from 1.30pm to 4pm in All Saints Parish Hall on Market Street. Blessing of these boxes is on Sunday, November 17 at All Saints Church at 11am.

Items are still being collected to fill the boxes. These can include toiletries, such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, wet wipes, combs and razors, new clothes ranging from socks and hats to underwear or babygrows, stationery, small toys, sweets or chocolate, small household tools, sewing kits or candles.

If you have items or shoeboxes you would like to donate, you can bring them to either of the packing sessions, or contact Chrissie Taylor on [email protected]">[email protected]