Buckie Blythswood shoebox appeal needs your help to bring some festive joy to Romania
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THE chance to help spread some festive joy to some of the poorest people in Eastern Europe is at the heart of a forthcoming Buckie appeal.
Buckie Blythswood's Christmas Shoebox Appeal will be getting under way over Monday-Wednesday, November 6-8 in the Buckie Baptist Church hall on Cluny Place.
A dedicated team of volunteers will be on hand to either receive already filled shoeboxes or goods which can be used to fill shoeboxes.
Last year's appeal, which saw some 1420 shoeboxes collected despite the pinch of the cost of living crisis, was in aid of people in war-torn Ukraine. The total was slightly down on the previous year's figure of 1441.
Buckie Blythswood organiser George Flett said that local folk had been consistently generous through the years and was hopeful that the festive spirit of goodwill to all would once again prevail, this time for people of all ages in the Eastern European nation of Romania.
He continued: "We were delighted with the response last year, especially as we were in the grip of the cost of living crisis and the financial impact of the Covid pandemic.
"People were very generous and it was very much appreciated.
"As usual, we don't have a target, we'll be grateful for whatever people can spare. We realise that the cost of living crisis is still very much with us and hitting many people hard. We've already had a steady stream of goods coming in over the last two or three months. If we can do roughly the same as last year, we'll be pleased.
"This year, the boxes will be going to Romania.
"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 Romania."
Mr Flett went on to say that some extra pairs of hands to help pack the shoeboxes would be most welcome.
He added: "We're looking for new volunteers for the team to pack the boxes.
"People can give as much or as little time as they can."
The hall will be open for collections from 2pm to 4pm on the Monday and between 10 and 12 noon and again from 2pm to 4pm on Tuesday and Wednesday.
