A CHARITY supporting the people of Ukraine is launching an extra-special appeal in time for Christmas.

Ukraine Relief is preparing to transform its hub at Castlepoint Shopping Centre into a festive wonderland in a push for more donations this winter.

From December 1, members of the public are being encouraged to visit the warehouse with donations of Christmas gifts that the charity can then send over to Ukraine.

Karol Swiacki, the founder of Ukraine Relief, said: “This appeal is about getting things for children and families and making them happy at Christmas time.”

As part of the festive theme, a special present wrapping zone has been introduced the warehouse, allowing visitors to drop off presents for Ukrainians and have them wrapped.

People are also being encouraged to get involved with making gift-filled shoe boxes.

Karol said: “We want to send a huge truck of presents to Ukraine.

“We already have 500 boxes made up for the shoe box appeal. We hope to have a few thousand shoeboxes to send to Ukraine.”

Read more: Help from Bournemouth to Ukraine is renamed Ukraine Relief

The charity is also calling for donations of other essentials ahead of winter. Karol said: “We’re appealing every day.

“Now we’re changing our appeal for the winter, so we’re looking for things like generators, torches and batteries of any kind.”

Ukraine Relief, which was first launched as Help from Bournemouth to Ukraine in February, has already been behind an overwhelming number of donations for Ukraine.

Read more: Help from Bournemouth to Ukraine effort is 'saving lives'

It has remained as Bournemouth’s main fundraiser for the war torn country and has been supported by many global companies.

Karol has also made many trips to Ukraine himself as part of the charity’s work. He said: “I’ve been to Ukraine for 38 days all together. Everyone there has such respect for us, and our organisation.

“It was important that we went to Ukraine to understand the proper needs. It’s not just about sending the aid, it’s knowing the proper need- what is most important and where it is most needed.

“I can’t forget what I’ve seen out there. It’s always in my head “