A NORTH Somerset animal sanctuary has launched a shoebox appeal to ensure each neglected, abused or abandoned animal in its care receives a gift this Christmas.

The Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary can be found on Wild Country Lane in Barrow Gurney.

The charity works day in, day out to provide care for animals "without a family of their own."

Residents are urged to fill a shoebox with pet-friendly food, treats and toys.

Posting on Facebook, a spokesperson from the organisation said: "Our animals here at the sanctuary hope they’ll be tucked up in a warm and cosy bed waiting for Santa Paws in their forever homes.

"But sadly we know each Christmas the sanctuary will be full with animals without a family of their own.  

"However, you can help make Christmas special for our animals. Receiving a shoebox brings so much joy and ensures each animal has a present on Christmas Day.

"Find an old shoebox. Fill it with food, treats and toys suitable for either a dog or cat. Label the box ‘Dog’ or ‘Cat’. Take it to one of our collection points."

The sanctuary has a list of drop-off locations on their website. Please note that more locations may be added.

  • Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary, Wild Country Lane, Barrow Gurney, Bristol, BS48 3SE;
  • Holly Hedge Charity Shop, 87-89 High Street, Nailsea, Bristol, BS48 IAW;
  • Vale Vets Animal Hospital, 1 Beach Road West, Portishead, BS20 7HR;
  • Pets Corner, Unit 2, 6 Hannah More Rd, Nailsea, BS48 4RZ;
  • Christmas Fayre in aid of Holly Hedge, Long Ashton Community Centre, Sunday, November 26 10am – 3pm;
  • Bristol University Psychological Science reception, 12a Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TU (Mondays and Thursdays in November and December);
  • Vets4Pets, 141 Milton Rd, Weston Super Mare, BS22 8AA;
  • Golden Valley Vets, Nailsea Park, Nailsea, BS48 1BD;
  • Avon Lodge Vets, 283 Wells Road, Bristol, BS4 2PP;
  • Bristol Property Centre, 14 Chandos Road, Redland, Bristol, BS6 6PE;
  • Elizabeth Bray, Meare Court Ltd, Meare Court Farm, Wrantage, Taunton TA3 6DA.

Alternatively, you can post the box directly to the sanctuary itself.