TED BIRD, who organises teams of volunteers across the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff, is asking people to consider the plight of orphans and vulnerable children around the world who can be reached through Operation Christmas Child.

This popular shoebox campaign, the largest of its kind in the UK, celebrates its 20th year in 2010 and is an easy way for people to send toys and gifts to some of the world’s neediest children at Christmas.

Ted said: "At a time when the ‘universality’ of Child Benefit in the UK is being debated, I would encourage everyone to consider the ‘universality’ of what Christmas means, especially to a child, and help us benefit as many children as possible this year.

"No matter what we are going through, individually or as a nation, I believe it is important to recognise our ability to help those less fortunate than ourselves, especially children. "We have good teams of volunteers in Cardiff, South Glamorgan and the Vale, and draw support from areas including Barry, Penarth, Dinas Powys, Rhoose, Cardiff, Cowbridge, Llantwit Major, Radyr and Taffs Well," he added.

"We have already arranged 11 drop-off points across the region where the public can take their gift-filled shoeboxes from November 2 through to November 18.

"Our local communities have responded brilliantly in the past and I believe they will do again.

"Our aim is to work with local schools, churches, community groups, businesses and individual members of the public to make sure that every single shoebox they donate goes to a child living in very difficult circumstances," said Ted.

"We have a Helpline on 0870 011 2002 and a website at www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk where people can find out suggestions of what to put into their shoeboxes."