CHRISTMAS cheer is already being spread by a Leominster opticians which is appealing for donations of present-filled shoeboxes on behalf of the Operation Christmas Child appeal.

For the third year running, Specsavers on West Street is getting into the Christmas spirit early and asking local people for help to collect as many boxes as possible. Run by international charity Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child helps spread goodwill during the festive season to underprivileged children around the world.

'We've been hugely impressed by the generosity of the local community who have always supported us with this in the past,' says Specsavers Leominster store director, Eira Morris. 'Christmas is a time for giving and what better way to do that than providing a child with gifts they otherwise wouldn't receive. If you'd like to get involved, please drop off your shoeboxes at the store by November 18.'

To donate, simply fill a wrapped shoebox and mark whether it was intended for a boy or girl, as well as their age category – two to four years old, five to nine or 10 to 14. Boxes can be filled with a range of gifts including toys, school supplies and day-to-day items such as toothpaste, soap and hairbrushes.

Established in 1970, Samaritan's Purse is an international relief and development organisation that provides aid to disadvantaged communities in Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Operation Christmas Child is one of the organisation's biggest initiatives, with thousands of churches, schools and businesses across the country donating and collecting shoeboxes to be sent overseas.

To donate a shoebox, please visit Specsavers at 25 West Street, Leominster, HR6 8EP. For more information call 01568 619 340 or visit specsavers.co.uk/stores/leominster