Ross charity says thanks for 'gifts of joy'
A ROSS charity’s Christmas appeal has been declared a big success with over 116,000 gift-filled boxes reaching needy people.
The Shoe Box Appeal by Evanton-based Blythswood Care has resulted in boxes filled with gifts such as toiletries, warm hats, gloves, pens, paper and sweets being transported to Europe and further afield.
Blythswood’s chief executive James Campbell said: "We’re really pleased at the outcome this year and want to thank everyone who filled a box. More than 106,000 boxes are being distributed in Eastern Europe before Christmas and two containers with a further 10,000 are on their way to Pakistan.
"These gifts bring joy to thousands of children and touch the hearts of older people who sometimes feel that they have been forgotten."
This year’s figure of 116,576 boxes brings the total since 1993 to 1.9 million and represents a 10 per cent increase on last year.
Blythswood’s Shoe Box Appeal has support across the UK with 19 lorry loads being processed and dispatched from Kent, Bristol, Belfast, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Newport Wales as well as from the Highlands.
Mr Campbell added: "People from Shetland to Cornwall have filled boxes and hundreds of volunteers have helped to process them in time. "I’d like to thank each one. Your kindness has brightened Christmas for thousands of children and adults."