Early Christmas for Caithness old folk
CHRISTMAS came early for pensioners across the county when a record number of shoeboxes were collected for vulnerable people during the festive season.
The Caithness Shoebox Appeal collected an amazing 256 shoeboxes full of gifts, more than doubling its previous record of 121 set last year.
Volunteers played Santa Claus as they drove around the far north including Wick, Thurso, Castletown and Watten to deliver packages of food, clothing and hot water bottles.
Organiser Kitty Campbell said they were overwhelmed with the response from the public. Due to its massive success, the appeal is aiming for 300 next year.
She said: “After a slow start, we experienced a big rush of donations from members of the public who got into the true spirit of Christmas. Four of us went around Caithness to deliver the shoeboxes. To see their faces when they received them made it all worthwhile. For some of the recipients, it is the only present they will get this Christmas.”
The shoebox appeal was also supported by groups and schools including Scallywags Nursery and Crossroads Primary School.
