IT’S still summer but one couple have already put out an appeal for their annual Christmas Shoebox collection for Eastern Europe.

John and Margaret Willemsen, of Grove, have been collecting shoeboxes for the Link to Hope charity for the past 14 years, and have just began their 15th annual collection.

The couple, who have been married for 53 years, are asking people to donate small Christmas presents as well as basics like soap, warm gloves and scarves.

Mr Willemsen said: “It may seem that Christmas is a long way ahead, but September will soon be upon us and with it the first Christmas goods in the shops.

“Poverty still exists and is more widespread than we can imagine throughout Eastern Europe, even in those countries that are now in the EU.

“Shoeboxes are now delivered to the poorest people in Albania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania and Ukraine.

“Last year, in Bulgaria, boxes were received with joy by refugees who had left been allowed to leave their homes in Syria with only the clothes on their backs.

“Western Ukraine has been overwhelmed by refugees from the east and south of the country. For all these folk, a shoebox is a luxury.”

Family shoeboxes are specially designed to contain gifts for each member of the family as well as basics such as toothpaste, soap and shampoo.

Shoebox Leaflets with a list of suggested items are available from Mr and Mrs Willemsen by calling 01235 798875 or from the Cornerstone Coffee Shop in Grove.

The couple ask that people deliver items for the shoeboxes by September 26 at the latest.