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Mosul’s desperate children prepare for sub-zero temperatures this Christmas with only flimsy tents for shelter

You can help make a child smile again this Christmas by donating to The Sun's Smiles at Christmas campaign

MORE than half a MILLION kids in Mosul face freezing conditions with only a tent for shelter this winter - but you can help.

Thousands have fled the rule of ISIS in the Iraqi city as liberating forces slowly beat back the vile extremists.

Thousands of youngsters face uncertain times as they prepare for a bleak winter in the battle-scarred outskirts of Mosul
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Thousands of youngsters face uncertain times as they prepare for a bleak winter in the battle-scarred outskirts of MosulCredit: Reuters
Thousands have escaped the ISIS-held Iraqi city as liberating forces slowly wrest back control of the Islamist stronghold
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Thousands have escaped the ISIS-held Iraqi city as liberating forces slowly wrest back control of the Islamist strongholdCredit: Reuters
But with winter approaching, many of them only have the clothes on their back and flimsy tents to protect themselves from the elements
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But with winter approaching, many of them only have the clothes on their back and flimsy tents to protect themselves from the elementsCredit: Reuters
Temperatures have plummeted to below zero around Mosul in recent days - colder than London this week
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Temperatures have plummeted to below zero around Mosul in recent days - colder than London this weekCredit: Getty Images

But many hundreds of thousands more face the bleak prospect of a winter in the world's most dangerous city.

Temperatures over the next week are expected to plunge as low as -1°C – significantly colder than London overnight.

And even those children who have been lucky enough to escape the hell they once called their home city have only a flimsy tent for shelter.

Give cash

Online:

Text: To give £2, text KIDS55 2 to 70070. You can change the amount to £3, £4, £5 or £10 by changing the last figure to 3, 4, 5 or 10.

Post: Send a cheque, made payable to JustGiving Foundation, to JustGiving The Sun Appeal, Bluefin Building 2nd Floor, London SE1 0TA

Give toys

You can donate new or used toys in good condition at 1,370 branches of McColl’s convenience stores.

Toys “R” Us will accept new toys only — look for special Sun trolleys near entrances.

Tell pals

Like our Facebook page 

Or tweet using #SmilesAtChristmas to let us know how you’re getting involved!

The Sun's Oliver Harvey visited some of Mosul's most needy at the Zelikan Camp.

He said: "The harsh weather is making life a misery for thousands of children sleeping under canvass

"Although sunny most days, the temperatures plummet to below freezing at night and cold winds whip across the bleak landscape.

"Last week there were thunderstorms and driving rain that turned the dusty camps into cloying mud baths.

But you can help support some of Mosul's most desperate kids who need food, water, healthcare and shelter
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But you can help support some of Mosul's most desperate kids who need food, water, healthcare and shelterCredit: Reuters
The AMAR Foundation is helping to care for the thousands of kids who have fled Mosul in recent months
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The AMAR Foundation is helping to care for the thousands of kids who have fled Mosul in recent monthsCredit: Reuters
But up to half a million more remain within the war-torn city, desperately trying to avoid shellfire and bullets
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 But up to half a million more remain within the war-torn city, desperately trying to avoid shellfire and bulletsCredit: Reuters
Any money to can donate to The Sun's Smiles at Christmas campaign could be the difference between life and death this winter
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Any money to can donate to The Sun's Smiles at Christmas campaign could be the difference between life and death this winterCredit: EPA

"Families huddle together under thin blankets at night to keep out the chill. Health workers say most of the children have sniffles and sore throats."

That's where you can help.

The Sun is supporting the AMAR Foundation as part of its Smiles at Christmas campaign.

AMAR works on the frontline with thousands of children to provide healthcare, education and vital supplies.

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As little as £30 could feed a family for a week.

But any amount you can give - no matter how small - will go towards putting a smile on the face of some of the world's most desperate kids this winter.

You can donate to the Smiles at Christmas campaign .

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