WATFORD's own aid agency Adra-UK based in Garston, is carrying out a fun-filled project for children this Christmas.

A few months ago, Adra-UK secretary Mrs Chantal Alen, launched an appeal for shoe-boxes filled with goodies for boys and girls. To her delight 650 arrived at her office in Stanborough Park in St Albans Road.

Two weeks ago two lorry loads of boxes were delivered to an orphanage in the city of Nis in Yugoslavia. Currently there are 96 children in residence aged from six to 18.

Mr Harry Wilby, a volunteer driver for the charity, reported on what happened in Nis when he spoke to the members of Stanborough Park Seventh-day Adventist Church last Saturday, November 16.

He said: "Chaos reigned for a while, and only backs and tops of heads could be seen, as two huge boxes were opened and the children dived in to help themselves to cuddly toys, puzzles, and footballs and the like.

"A few trusty children were chosen by Zdravika Gigova, the staff member on duty, to pose for photos with the remaining shoe-boxes before they were stored away to await December 25."

Ms Alen added: "Although the children are given all the love and care a devoted staff can provide, everyone at the orphanage showed their gratitude when they understood that strangers in a far away country also cared about them."

Mr Wilby left Stanborough Park again this week with a lorry load of humanitarian supplies, including more shoe-boxes, this time bound for Albania.