Shoppers can learn all about this year's Operation Christmas Child shoebox appeal at the Victoria Road Shoprite in Douglas today.

The charity is handing out empty shoeboxes for members of the public to fill with goodies for deprived children in Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa.

Last year, more than 2,000 shoeboxes from the Island were delivered to countries such as Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Romania.

Between 10am and 4pm you can collect a shoebox and a leaflet, chat to volunteers and watch a DVD of children receiving their shoeboxes.

Organisers say it puts our expectations of Christmas into a fresh perspective.

Over the weekend, all the Island's Shoprite stores will have a special shopping trolley near the check outs for donations of toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, toys and stationery.