A MOTHER who was moved to tears after seeing an empty collection box for disadvantaged children has started a campaign for the charity.

Shelby Cann cried when she saw the Mission Christmas collection in the Wickes store in Hove.

The collection is to provide presents for children but it was completely empty.

The initiative, organised by Cash For Kids, delivers presents on Christmas Day for disadvantaged children who would otherwise go without.

Ms Cann, 52, of Green Ridge, Withdean, has now bought dozens of presents and is urging others to do the same.

She said: “I was just heartbroken, I came home in tears.

“The prospect of a child not having a present to open – no matter how small – is beyond comprehension.

“People are taught to believe that Santa brings gifts to all the good children, so it must be horrible for a child not to receive anything.”

Ms Cann, along with her daughter Faye, 16, have bought cushions, blankets, candles and diamante chokers from charity shops to contribute to the collection.

The pair have been handing out leaflets in their road asking other people to donate to the cause.

In a plea to Argus readers, Ms Cann said: “To make those children happy for one day – that must be better than any present you will receive.

“A present doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive but it has the potential to change a child’s life for that one day.”

Presents can be handed in at Wickes stores, or money can given to the Cash For Kids charity.

The national charity works with social workers and emergency services across the country.

They will nominate disadvantaged children up to the age of 18 who face going without gifts on Christmas Day.

Emma Brown, a manager at the charity, said: “The gifts are segregated by age and gender and will be collected from us to take to the families.

“As far as we are concerned, the gift has come from Santa – this is about making sure that every child wakes up on Christmas feeling valued and worthy.”

The charity says that one in three children in the UK are living in poverty.

Many of these children are in families where at least one of their parents are working.

Ms Brown added: “The issue of child poverty has a real impact at Christmas.

“For those children, Christmas is just like any other day of the year.

“And if you are a parent and you can’t afford to buy a presents for your child, it will have a massive effect on your self esteem.

“These families might be in a difficult situation one year, but the following year they’re back on their feet and actively supporting Mission Christmas.”

You can drop presents off at locations across the UK, including with Wickes, Bensons for Beds and Harveys.

Last year, nearly 400,000 children were given gifts by the charity. Visit www.cashforkids.uk.com/mission/ for more information.