A CHILDREN’S charity is urging residents to give generously this Christmas, despite the recession.

Operation Christmas Child is launching its annual Christmas shoebox appeal on Monday. The scheme aims to take Christmas cheer to children in deprived countries by sending boxes packed with gifts.

Gordon McCann, regional manager, said: “Circumstances are worrying for many people in this country at present, but it is an awful lot worse for the vulnerable children and orphans we seek to support.”

Anyone wishing to participate in this year’s Operation Christmas Child campaign should visit www.operation christmaschild.org.uk or call 0870 0112002.