Blythswood Shoebox Appeal for eastern Europe set to get under way in Caithness
The annual Blythswood Shoebox Appeal gets under way in Caithness this month, with gifts being collected for people in need across eastern Europe.
Christine Stone, local coordinator for Castletown and surrounding communities, will be launching this year’s appeal in the latter half of October and the Blythswood lorry will be arriving in the county on Thursday, November 10, to pick up donations.
"Already, folk have been dropping off donations and others have been helping to wrap boxes in preparation for the appeal to move into top gear as soon as the children return to school following their October holiday," Mrs Stone said this week.
"With the easing of Covid restrictions, it’s wonderful to be able to work once again as a team, dedicated to wrapping, filling and labelling boxes and bags, with all the camaraderie that goes along with it.
"If anyone would like to be involved, do get in touch.
"In terms of practical steps, wrapped, filled, labelled shoeboxes or filled drawstring bags can be handed in to the local community hub – Castletown and Community Free Church. This will be our single collection point for shoeboxes and gift bags in terms of our Castletown and surrounding communities appeal.
"Donations of knitted garments – hats, scarves, gloves – as well as toiletries and money donations have already been kindly donated. Any other items will be gratefully accepted and will be sent to the depot for onward distribution.
"This year, boxes and bags from our local appeal will be going to Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine and will be gratefully received by those to whom they are given.
"Any money donations to help with the ongoing costs of shoebox transportation to eastern Europe will be most welcome and can be handed in to the same collection point.
"Parents/guardians can send items or filled boxes or bags to the school in Castletown and these contributions will be uplifted from there by one of the team."
Mrs Stone added: "There are plenty of wrapped shoeboxes and drawstring bags available at any time, by arrangement.
"These do not have to be completely filled but need only contain what folk are able to manage within their circumstances. Every little helps and is very much appreciated."
The last hand-in date for shoeboxes or gift bags will be Wednesday, November 9. The lorry is due to arrive the following day and will be parked outside the church in Castletown between 11.30am and 12.15pm.
Blythswood Care is a Christian charity based in Evanton, Easter Ross.