Xmas OAP shoebox appeal breaks record
CHRISTMAS came early for pensioners across the county when a record amount of shoeboxes were collected for vulnerable people during the festive season.
The Caithness Shoebox Appeal collected an incredible 256 shoeboxes full of gifts, smashing its previous record of 121 set in 2011.
Volunteers played Santa Claus as they drove around the far north including Wick, Thurso, Castletown and Watten to deliver packages which included food, clothing and hot water bottles.
Organiser Kitty Campbell said that they were overwhelmed with the response from the public and said that due to its massive success, they would be aiming for 300 next year.
“After a slow start, we experienced a big rush of donations from members of the public who got into the true spirit of Christmas,” she said.
“Four of us then went around Caithness to deliver the shoe boxes and 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 a number of groups and schools including Scallywags Nursery and Crossroads Primary School in Dunnet.