A vast number of shoeboxes were picked up last weekend (Saturday November 8) from St Mary’s and are on their way to eastern Europe. The boxes are full of Christmas gifts and will be distributed to poor and marginalised families and elderly people.
Link to Hope, the charity responsible, was originally founded in 1991, following news reports of the terrible conditions in Romanian orphanages. Since then, it is has expanded its scope to include Bulgaria, Ukraine and Moldova as well.
The charity conducts education and social care projects around the year, but the Christmas shoebox appeal is one of its more well-known activities. More than 600,000 shoeboxes have been distributed since its foundation.
Shoeboxes often contain toys, colouring books, games and personal hygiene items such as shower gel and sweets.
Although Link to Hope is a Christian charity, it will help those in need regardless of background, colour, creed or religion.
Janet Waddams, who organised the appeal, is pictured above with church cat Sylvester Frost (left).
Photos: Sandra Lanigan