Buckie Blythswood Christmas shoebox appeal aims to bring some festive joy to Ukraine
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
AN appeal to bring some festive joy to people in war-torn Ukraine is set to get under way in Buckie soon.
The annual Buckie Blythswood Christmas Shoebox Appeal – part of the charity's overall national campaign – will be open for collections over Monday-Wednesday, November 7-9 in the Buckie Baptist Church hall on Cluny Place.
The shoeboxes contain all manner of items from toiletries to toys, depending on the age group they are intended for.
Last year, despite the ongoing Covid restrictions in place at the time and financial impact of the pandemic, Buckie and surrounding area still stepped up to the plate in style with 1441shoeboxes sent on their way to Romania.
Buckie Blythswood organiser George Flett said he was hoping local folk would once again let their generosity shine through.
He continued: "We haven't got a target and we realise times are hard, we'll be very grateful for whatever people can spare.
"Last year the people of Buckie and the surrounding area showed their generosity to those less fortunate than themselves and hopefully the same will be the case this year. Even through the pandemic people still came forward and supported us.
"Due to the war and the suffering it's caused the shoeboxes this year are going to Ukraine. People can either hand in ready-filled shoeboxes or goods which our team of dedicated volunteers can then use to fill boxes.
"While there are many things we can send there are items we can't. The full list of goods which can be sent is available on the Blythswood website – https://blythswood.org/shoeboxappeal/– along with shoebox filler ideas and also at the Blythswood shop on East Church Street, Buckie.
"In addition to the shoeboxes, we also welcome cash donations which go towards the cost of transporting them by lorry to the Ukraine."
"These shoeboxes make such a difference to the people who receive them."
People wishing to hand in ready-filled shoeboxes should target the contents at one of the following age and gender groups: Girl/boy ages 3-7; Girl/boy ages 8-12; Teenage girl/boy; Man; Woman; Elderly woman.
The Buckie Blythswood appeal is covering an area running from Portsoy through to Fochabers.
The hall will be open to receive shoeboxes and donations at the following times: Monday – 2pm-7pm; Tuesday – 10am-7pm; Wednesday – 10am-2pm.
Shoeboxes collected by the appeal will be sent to vulnerable people in some of the poorest countries in Eastern Europe.
