Two charities have launched their Christmas appeals in Keighley.

Samaritan’s Purse is again urging people across the town to fill shoeboxes with gifts to be sent to needy children.

And Support Our Soldiers (SOS) is distributing parcels to troops serving in Afghanistan and other parts of the world.

Each year churches, schools, businesses and individuals in Keighley district pack shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse.

The items go to youngsters in over 150 countries.

Judith Powell, the charity’s area co-ordinator, said: “As international aid continues to be impacted by the global economic crisis, now more than ever the most vulnerable children around the world desperately need to know someone cares for them.”

Visit operationchristmaschild.org.uk for further details about the appeal.

SOS is seeking items such as chocolate, sweets, biscuits, crisps, nuts, chewing gum, coffee, toiletries, stationery and festive goodies. Contact Bradford@ supportoursoldiers.co.uk or (01274) 674176, or visit supportoursoldiers.co.uk, for more information.