Most people regard an empty shoebox as a suitable place to keep photographs or other memorabilia. Not so for Chuck Chadwick from St. Paul’s Lodge in Widnes and his wife Joan.

To them a shoebox is an essential link in a lifeline that reaches out to children in need all over the world. To members of St. Paul’s Lodge, it is known as the 'Shoebox Appeal' but it’s official title is “Operation Christmas Child” and it functions under the umbrella of a world wide charity called the Samaritan’s Purse, whose President is the son of the evangelical preacher Billy Graham.

Chuck and Joan collect throughout the year and last Christmas filled 150 shoeboxes with simple gifts to children, who in many cases have never received a Christmas present in their lives. Even a simple item such as a pencil, a scarf, a few sweets or a tennis ball means a great deal to those youngsters who have only ever known poverty, disease or ill treatment.

This year they are already well on the way to exceed this total thanks to funds they have raised themselves and a donation from the Lodge.

From the United Kingdom alone, over one million shoeboxes will be delivered in countries from Armenia to Swaziland and Belarus to Liberia. Such a small parcel can bring many great benefits to children who cannot help themselves.