HUNDREDS of gift-filled shoeboxes are on their way to poor children in Eastern Europe thanks to the generosity of a Southend school.

Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School sent off more than 200 boxes in a bid to give underprivileged children abroad a Christmas they will never forget.

Last year the school sent hundreds of boxes as part of the Samaritan's Purse campaign, Operation Christmas Child.

The shoeboxes are packed with anything from small toys, games, school supplies, sweets and toiletries.

Published Tuesday, December 6, 2005