A CHARITY that inspires thousands of people from across the North-East to fill shoeboxes full of Christmas gifts for vulnerable children has launched a new appeal.

Samaritan Purse UK, the Christian charity behind Operation Christmas Child, launched the new initiative, Raising Families, to help bring further hope and practical support to children and families in world’s poorest countries.

By teaming up with local churches to provide access to healthcare, education, nutritious food, housing and other resources, the project is expected to create sustainable futures for 30,000 families over the next three years.

It follows on from the success of Operation Christmas Child, which sees groups and individuals donate Christmas gifts to vulnerable children all over the world.

Last year, residents of County Durham, Darlington, North Yorkshire and Teesdale donated more than 23,000 gift filled shoeboxes, which were sent to youngsters in Romania and Serbia.

To find out more about Raising Families and ways to get involved visit samaritans-purse.org.uk