Irish schoolchildren have taken 3,200 shoeboxes and filled them with gifts to be sent to hundreds of the poorest children in Eastern Europe. The Shoebox appeal was co-ordinated by Operation Mobilisation (OM) Ireland workers in partnership with the charity Samaritan's Purse.

The successful appeal took place in Inishowen, Country Donegal and attracted gifts from community groups, individuals and 26 schools.

OM Ireland workers were aided by 15 local volunteers who helped them to check and pack all of the shoeboxes ready for collection.

According to OM, the local mayor of the town donated the use of a shop on the main street to act as a warehouse for the checking and storing of the shoeboxes.

On their website, OM appealed to Christians to pray that the gifts would arrive to their destination safely and would be a practical demonstration of God's love for those receiving them. They also called upon people to pray that the Irish children taking part would understand more about the joy of giving this Christmas.