ORGANISERS of an annual Flintshire Christmas shoebox appeal have pleaded for supporters to donate before the scheme ends on Friday (November 22).

The appeal, which is now in its 30th year, has already produced hundreds of shoeboxes ready to be donated to deprived children around the world for Christmas.

Over £200 in cash has also been donated so far to add to the support that will be provided to some people in parts of Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

However, the scheme’s organiser, Mac Ellis, has called for Flintshire residents to donate more flannels and clothing items for boys.

He said: “Everything is going quite well, and we’re up to a couple of hundred boxes as well as more than £200 in cash donations.

“But we want a final big push, especially because we’re really short of boys’ hats, scarves, gloves and socks.

“We have also been donated lots of soap too, but not many flannels, so we’re hoping to also get a few more of them come through between now and Friday.

“We will be staying open for an extra hour (until 3pm) on the last day (November 22) to give everybody a chance to stop by if they want to.”

Bistre Methodist Schoolroom in Buckley is the collection point for any donations and where items are being placed into the shoeboxes.

Despite the fact Bistre Methodist chapel has closed, the chapel's schoolroom is now open as a collection point.

The scheme will be running until November 22, and items can be dropped off there Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm.

Last year, the team - part of the Teams4U charity - sent nearly 400 shoeboxes and £680 in donations overseas. For more information, contact Mac Ellis on 01244 543982.