Donations already being dropped off ahead of shoebox appeal launch in Caithness

The 2023 Blythswood Shoebox Appeal will get under way in Caithness in the latter half of October, with gifts being collected for people in need across eastern European countries.

In the run-up to the launch there will be a fundraising coffee morning in Castletown on Saturday, October 7.

The local coordinator for Castletown and surrounding communities, Christine Stone, said: "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 holidays.

"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 local Castletown and communities appeal.

"Donations of knitted garments such as hats, scarves and gloves, along with 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.

"It is important to note that even if people feel unable to fill a whole box or bag, handing in just a few items will be very much appreciated and can then be added to finish off boxes that are lacking items.

"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 or guardians can send items or filled boxes or bags to the local school in Castletown and these contributions will be uplifted from there by one of the team.

"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 Blythswood lorry will be arriving in the county on Thursday, November 9, and will be parked outside Castletown and Community Free Church between 11.30am and 12.15pm.

The last hand-in date for shoeboxes will be Wednesday, November 8.

Castletown and Community Free Church will be holding a coffee morning on Saturday, October 7, from 10am until noon, to raise money for this year’s appeal.

All donations from this event will be split. Some will allow items to be purchased to make up the shortfall for shoeboxes and bags, and some will go towards the cost of transporting this year’s shoeboxes.

Mrs Stone added: "Please consider coming along to support this worthy cause – this is Blythswood’s 30th year of bringing gifts to the needy of eastern Europe."

Last year's appeal in Castletown and surrounding communities brought in a total of 461 shoeboxes along with £355 of money donations towards transportation in time for Christmas.

Blythswood Care is a Christian charity based in Evanton, Easter Ross.

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