BOXES of smiles will once again be delivered to some of the neediest children on earth this Christmas, thanks to a Tyldesley family.

And the Journal is once again backing the charity, Operation Christmas Child, as it prepares to bring joy to youngsters who suffer because of war, poverty, disaster or neglect.

The shoe box gift appeal was started more than a decade ago in Wrexham, and was developed in Tyldesley seven years ago, by Welshman Wyn Davies.

He and his wife, Pat, of Squires Lane, heard about the work and decided to take some of their grandson Simon's toys to the Welsh chapel concerned.

It was then they learned of the need for a driver in this area and Wyn and Pat, their daughter and son-in-law, Maria, and Martin Rookyard and grandson, Simon, also of Squires Lane, signed up to help.

They've been co-ordinating the local appeal ever since and this year want it to be bigger and better than ever.

Simon, 11, a pupil at Freddies, has been making up boxes since he was four.

Last year, the family collected and delivered 22,000 gift-filled boxes for the charity, which has amalgamated with the American charity, Samaritan's Purse.

Pat said: "Wyn's now 72 but he and the family love collecting the boxes over a six-week period.

"Last year, they were out in the feeder lorry from mid November until Christmas Eve. And this year they'll be busier than ever collecting in Liverpool, Chester, Glossop, Macclesfield and Warrington as well as locally.

"To see the children's faces when they receive these little gifts makes it all worthwhile."

How to help

Churches, schools, factories and individuals are all invited to help the appeal by packing shoe boxes with gifts, including small games and toys, school supplies, sweets or toiletries.

They should not include used items, war-related items, marbles, toys which depend on batteries, aerosols, glass containers, foodstuffs, medicines or clothes except a scarf, baseball cap, hat or gloves.

And the charity asks people to remember they are always short of boxes for boys and teenagers.

Each box, which should be wrapped, with the lid covered separately, should be accompanied by £2. Do not seal the box as it will need to be checked before export.

When ready, they should be taken to dropping off points which this year include the Leigh Journal Office, 44-46, Railway Road; Bents Garden Centre, Warrington Road, Glazebury; Cohen's Chemist, Tyldesley; Sweet Occasions, Kirkhall Lane, Leigh, or any Kwik Fit Garage. Family effort: The Davies family will be delivering Christmas

shoeboxes again this year