THE Oxfam shop in Stroud is backing the Disasters Emergency Committee crisis appeal for people affected by the conflict in Gaza.

People can donate money to the appeal at the shop.

The appeal includes all the major UK aid agencies including Oxfam, Save the Children and the British Red Cross.

"We are urging the people of Stroud to be as generous as they can and help us raise the funds to help the people of Gaza put their lives back together," said Shop Manager Julia Trow.

"We are only calling for money donations as this is the best way to help. We have all seen on our television screen the terrible scenes of destruction and heart breaking stories of loss.

"People need our help to put their lives back together. Many are in desperate need of a roof over their heads, clean water, food and medical help."

Some hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes with many needing not only shelter but food, water, household items and often medical care.

There are now 65,000 people in Gaza who have seen their homes severely damaged or destroyed.

Although there is only a temporary truce, the aid agencies of the Disasters Emergency Committee are rapidly increasing the level of assistance they are providing.

Some agencies had worked through the fighting despite the considerable risks involved and others have responded when and where lulls in the fighting allow.

Aid delivered so far includes:

•Oxfam is delivering safe water to up to 175,000 people per day

•British Red Cross partners are supporting emergency medical services.

All major broadcasters will be carrying the DEC appeal including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky.

To make a donation to the DEC Gaza Crisis Appeal visit www.dec.org.uk, call the 24 hour hotline on 0370 60 60 900, donate over the counter at any Oxfam shop, high street bank or post office, or send a cheque. You can also donate £5 by texting the word GAZA to 70066.

What your money will buy:

• £25 can buy 150 bandages

• £50 can feed five families for a day

• £100 can provide an emergency shelter kit and blankets for one family

Stay up to date with developments in Gaza, the emergency response and the fundraising efforts with the DEC on twitter: www.twitter.com/decappeal or on Facebook via www.facebook.com/DisastersEmergencyCommittee