Shoppers and staff at Bradley Stoke's Willow Brook Centre have come together to collect hundreds of gifts for needy families in Eastern Europe.

The initiative has come from education provider Kumon Educational UK whose regional office is based in the centre. By holding the shoe box appeal it has managed to collect more than 300 gifts.

The appeal ends on Friday, but boxes are still being collected from shoppers and neighbouring companies.

Kumon has teamed up with Link Romania as part of its corporate social responsibility programme and students are busy filling shoeboxes with gifts ready to be sent to deprived families in Romania, Moldova and Albania in time for Christmas.

Kumon's regional manager Kate Sheldon said: "We'd like to thank everyone who's participated in this appeal and donated a shoebox. The response has been brilliant – overwhelming even. Link Romania will be coming to collect them soon, but the appeal doesn't end till Friday, November 6 so we'd like to encourage everyone who can to fill a box and bring it in this week. This appeal provides the opportunity for us all to learn about the daily challenges faced by these communities, and is a great way to teach children how important it is to give to those less fortunate than themselves."

Since its foundation in 1991, Link Romania has brought relief to thousands of deprived people in Eastern Europe.

To donate a shoebox, visit the Willow Brook Centre, Bradley Stoke, BS32 8EF.