This year it’s ‘more important than ever’ for residents to help send Christmas presents to disadvantaged children.

Charmouth resident Karen Sands is once again collecting for the Rotary International Christmas Shoebox Appeal.

This will be the fifth year she has been involved and is calling on people to get behind the project and fill shoeboxes with toys, educational supplies, toiletries and more.

Karen explained that there may be a shortage of shoeboxes as shops have been closed making it difficult for people to buy shoes, but people are also able to donate individual items at Tesco in Axminster.

Boxes and items can also be dropped off in Charmouth at Fortnam, Smith and Banwell estate agents, Charmouth Stores, The Bank House Café and The Salon.

Information leaflets are also available from Morgans of Charmouth which detail the different age groups and what can and can’t go into the boxes.

The deadline is Sunday, November 1.

“This year is very different, but all the local shops are on board, and it’s more important than ever.

“Every box is a smile and I hope we get a reasonable amount; I hope we can get 50 boxes.”

Last year, Karen had hoped to get 200 boxes, instead 300 were made and donated.

For more information, call Karen on 07817 031417.

To find out more about Rotary International’s Shoebox Appeal, visit rotaryshoebox.org