The generosity of Echo readers is being called on once again to help spread some festive joy among thousands of eastern Europe's poorest people this Christmas.
Last year a staggering 5,500 shoeboxes containing gifts such as sweets, small toys, jewellery, hats and gloves were sent to children and adults in Moldova who would otherwise receive nothing.
Poverty is widespread in Moldova, which became an independent country in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
The lack of employment opportunities and widespread corruption that ensued has forced many adults to leave the country, and their children, to find work elsewhere.
The annual campaign is run by Kenton charity Christian Response, which is celebrating its 24th anniversary this year and has been sending the boxes to eastern Europe for 15 years.
Charity director Hugh Scudder said many contained letters or cards which would be kept and treasured for years.
The charity also organises Christmas parties in various areas of Moldova, at which children receive a shoebox after having a meal.
The charity delivers the gifts by lorry to children in orphanages, ghettos and soup kitchens in time for Christmas.
Hugh explained that Moldova was one of a few Eastern European countries to sign a trade deal with the west this year, since which, Russia refused to import its produce. Due to the blow to the country's economy, poverty has been exacerbated.
Hugh has visited the country three times this year and explained that whereas on the surface, things may appear to be better, in fact the situation for many Moldovans is getting worse.
"Around a third of the population move away and work abroad and send money home, so what you're left with, particularly in the rural villages, are just children and the elderly," he said.
"Superficially, things look better – there are more cars and more hotels.
"But things are immensely worse in the villages, which are dying because there's no one there.
"The situation for ordinary people is grim, people are really quite desperate, with very little hope.
"Something I say every year and which sounds a bit soppy but which is absolutely true, is that the gift of a shoebox at Christmas, to know someone they don't even know, cares, really gives people hope.
"I'm always so impressed by people's generosity."
People should fill the boxes with new items if possible, rather than secondhand. As many of the boxes are opened together, some consistency is necessary.
Packages are for children of all ages, from babies to teenagers, as well as adults, mainly grandparents or elderly people in homes.
Shoeboxes should be wrapped in Christmas paper and marked with the gender and age they would be suitable for.
Basic items like toothpaste, hairbrushes and sweets and chocolate are also well received.
Shoeboxes can be dropped off at Langmaid News in Fore Street, Robert Williams estate agents in Southernhay West, Cartridges Solicitors on Cowick Street or Sweet Tooth, Wellington Street, Teignmouth, until November 30.
Those with large loads, or anyone who can't make the deadline, should contact the Rotary Club of Dawlish Water on 01626 891680 or Hugh on 01626 891945.
