A charity supporting vulnerable young people is appealing to all Norfolk Shoppers to donate a shoe box filled with small gifts to put a smile on someone's face this Christmas.

The Benjamin Foundation is a Norfolk Charity which works to provide services for many suffering children across the county.

The charity- which celebrated its 20th birthday this October-is running its annual shoe box appeal this Christmas; aiming to ensure that every child it supports has something to open on Christmas morning.

Chris Elliott, the marketing and fundraising manager of the Benjamin Foundation said: 'It is important to give gifts because many of the young people we support come from broken down families, and may not have any family connections any more, meaning no presents.

'I strongly believe that each and every one of them should have something to open, something that may seem small makes a massive difference.'

Thousands of children aged 6 and above across Norfolk benefit from the charity's work every year; they provide over 100 homeless centres in Norfolk for children facing challenges, support for families, and help in many schools in the county.

The charity would love all Norfolk shoppers to help the young people and fill a shoebox full with small gifts such as chocolate, stationery or anything that could make a young person's Christmas Day feel that little bit more special.

When asked about the shoe boxes, Mr Elliott said: 'The shoeboxes are mainly given to young people aged between 6 and 25.

'For the younger children, games, crayons and notebooks are ideal and for the older teenagers and young adults, toiletries, socks, gloves and vouchers etc are perfect.

'There's no need to spend more than £15 on a shoebox, the young people can benefit hugely from something very small.'

Do you have a charity story? Email locallife@archant.co.uk.

You can deliver your shoeboxes to any of the following addresses by December 1

The Benjamin Foundation Furniture Store 103 Oak Street, Norwich, Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm

Virgin Money Lounge, 10 Castle Street, Monday, Wednesday and Saturday between 9am and 5pm, Tuesday between 9.30am and 5pm, and Sunday between 10am and 4pm.

Virgin Money Branch, 4B Castle Street, Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm and Saturday between 9am and 1pm)