The Christmas spirit of giving is alive and well as Falmouth residents prepare to send presents to people living in extreme poverty in eastern Europe.

The appeal by charity Link to Hope has been led by Cat Parker for the last four years.

She said: “I remember reading about one elderly lady they found up in the attic sleeping among the bags of onions, which was the only thing she had to keep warm as well as the only food she had to eat.

“She couldn’t believe that the gift was for her! If she was living next door to me, I’d be there in a flash to help.

“Link to Hope bridges the miles and enables me to do just that.

“What makes it so wonderful is to be able to pack up a little parcel of love and imagine the person unwrapping it, and what it will mean to them- that someone cares.

“God gave me so much when he gave his son, this is the least I can do in return.

“I hope by doing this my two sons will also grow up realising how fortunate they are, and that it is everyone’s responsibility to help if they can.”

Link to Hope distribute shoeboxes for either a family or an elderly person, meaning no-one gets left out.

They also work year-round in the communities providing education and social care.

Last year over a hundred shoeboxes were packed in Falmouth and sent off to Eastern Europe, but this year Cat has said she aims to double that.

“Falmouth has an amazing community spirit, and we have had so much fun doing this every year- we just need to spread the word!”

If you would like to take part, the event takes place at the Dracaena Centre on Saturday November 2 between 2pm and 5pm.

Bring £3 towards postage if you can as well as some items to pack (linktohope.co.uk for more info).