SCHOOLS, churches, scouts and groups are being asked to fill a shoebox with goodies to send to children in some of poorest countries in the world.The shoeboxes go to children in villages, schools, orphanages and refugee centres where they literally have nothing.
SCHOOLS, churches, scouts and groups are being asked to fill a shoebox with goodies to send to children in some of poorest countries in the world.
The shoeboxes go to children in villages, schools, orphanages and refugee centres where they literally have nothing. Many have never received a Christmas present before and to do so makes a huge difference to their lives. They are distributed according to need, regardless of nationality, political background or religious belief. No literature is added to them.
They go to some of the world's poorest countries in Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe and the children's smiles when they see the shoeboxes being unloaded says it all.
A medium sized adult shoebox should be wrapped with colourful wrapping paper - the lid to be covered separately as the contents will be checked. Choose whether it is for a boy or girl, select an age between two and 16 and buy items for that child. Replace the lid and wrap one strong elastic band around. Write an age and sex on a label and stick it on the lid.
Inside can be toiletries, toothbrush, toothpaste, flannel, wrapped bar of soap, comb, brush and hair accessories, notebooks, pens, pencils, ruler, maths set, paint, paintbrush and drawing books. Clothing such as a hat, scarf, gloves, socks, (these can be hand knitted), pants and knickers. Small toys can be added as well as a small bag of wrapped sweets.
The annual Shoebox Appeal is a charity which began with local connections and is now based in Kent.
The local coordinator is David Minister, who can supply more details on 07711451020.
Boxes can be left in central Yarmouth at 86 Middlemarket Road from Monday, October 19 to Wednesday, November 4 between 10am and 3pm.
People can instead sponsor a shoebox and coordinators in Africa, Asia or Eastern Europe use the money to buy items locally, avoiding transportation costs or import taxes - providing employment for a local person in each country
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