THE Rotary Club of High Wycombe is appealing for more people to join in with its shoebox scheme to deliver aid to countries in eastern Europe.

Last year more than 500 shoe boxes filled with unwanted clothes, toys and toiletries were delivered to places including Kosovo, Romania and Bulgaria, and this year the group hopes to do even better.

David Buller, from The Rotary Club, said: "Ideally I want to get us up to about 2,000 boxes.

"This is very much an ongoing thing. Help is needed continuously in these places."

This year's campaign is being organised by the Rotoract and Youth Committee, a youth club funded by the Rotarians.

Boxes are sent out to people and organisations who request them and once they are filled they are re-collected and despatched to communities in need in eastern Europe.

Mr Buller said: "The boxes are provided at no cost to the participants, although they are encouraged to tape a pound coin to the top of the box to make up some of our costs."

Groups participating in the scheme are presented with a certificate to acknowledge their contribution.

The scheme was started in 1994 and nationally more than 60,000 boxes are sent out each year.

Mr Buller added: "Our group became involved a few years ago and it has grown each year.

"This is a very worthy cause and we are looking to improve by getting more clubs, schools and youth groups involved."

For more information call David Buller on 01494 464333