Buckie Blythswood boxes of festive cheer on their way to wartorn Ukraine
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THE cost of living crisis may be hitting pockets hard but that has not stopped Buckie folk spreading a bit of festive joy.
Buckie Blythswood Christmas Shoebox Appeal volunteers have been applauding a hugely generous response to their annual efforts to bring some Christmas cheer to those in need.
Despite the squeeze on household incomes a total of 1420 boxes were sent on their way to wartorn Ukraine, slightly down on last year's 1441 but up on two years ago.
While some handed in already-filled shoeboxes packed with all sorts of items, others donated goods to be packed into boxes by the local Blythswood team.
People were also more than willing to put their hands in their pockets in terms of very generous cash donations to help with transport costs to take the boxes from the UK to the Eastern European nation which is fighting for its survival.
Support for the Buckie Blythwood team also came from further afield this year, straddling both Moray and Aberdeenshire.
Buckie Blythswood organiser George Flett said: "The Blythswood Support Group (Buckie) wish to thank the Baptist Church for the use of their hall and the Methodist Church for the use of their tables.
"We also wish to thank the wider community which this year covered from Banff to Fochabers and inland to Keith and Forres for all their support.
"In addition, the support of our church groups and schools, as well as our dedicated team of volunteers, is greatly appreciated.
"The boxes from the Buckie sort station are this year going to the Ukraine. The donations to help with transport costs have been generous and are very much needed and appreciated.
"The number of boxes this year sent to Blythswood Care at Evanton for onward transmission to Ukraine was 1420.
"We look forward to your continued support in the coming years."
Each shoebox is made up with a specific recipient in mind, categorised by both gender and age.
Shoeboxes contain small, non-perishable items such as toiletries, gloves and the like while the ones for children often contain small toys or stationery.
Last year saw the shoeboxes from Buckie sent to Romania. However, with Russia invading Ukraine in February the decision was taken to switch the focus of the 2022 collection.
For more about the work Blythswood Care do all the year round, visit their website at https://blythswood.org/
