Pupils at St Mary's College in Crosby have got their festive charity project 'all boxed off'.

Children at the school have been filling shoe boxes with a wide range of gifts to support the Operation Christmas Child campaign organised by Samaritan¹s Purse, the Christian international relief organisation.

Samaritan's Purse has been supplying desperately needed assistance to victims of war, natural disaster, famine and disease for more than 35 years.

Samaritan's Purse launched Operation Christmas Child in 1993 to bring joy and hope to youngsters in the world¹s most troubled regions.

Since then, almost 70 million gift-filled shoeboxes have been shipped across the globe. In 2008 alone, 7.9 million boxes were sent to children in 95 countries.

Pupils at St Mary's filled their boxes with a wide variety of presents including toys, school supplies and hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste, brushes and combs.

College Principal Mike Kennedy said: "Our pupils have a great track record in supporting charities and are always quick to respond to requests to help children less fortunate than themselves.  I am delighted that once again this year they have been so enthusiastic about this appeal and joined people all over the country in supporting this very good cause."

St. Mary's Pupils pictured with some of the shoe boxes

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