pounds 40,000 so far raised for victims of conflict

As Christmas approaches, the 'Independent' is asking readers to support four charities working to help child victims of the wars in former Yugoslavia. So far, the appeal has brought in pounds 40,000 for the four charities:

Save the Children is focusing on children who have been separated from their families, counselling and reuniting them;

The Red Cross is running the largest humanitarian operation in the region, looking after refugee camps and linking people through its messaging network;

War Child plans to build a pounds 2.5m music-therapy centre in Mostar, and to send urgently needed prosthetics to wounded children in the Tuzla area;

Child Advocacy International aims to bring up to 100 sick children to Britain for treatment they could not obtain at home.

Please make your cheques or postal orders payable to the charities of your choice and send them to us with the completed coupon.