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Operation Shoebox in full
swing
07.11.08
Volunteers wanted to
check and seal Inishowen parcels
ORPHANS, cancer victims and children living in
desperate poverty have few reasons to smile. But
thanks to the kindness and generosity of Inishowen
people, Christmas brings a ray of sunshine into the
lives of some of the world’s neediest children.
Last year, children in the Ukraine opened 3,232
shoeboxes filled with gifts from people right across
the peninsula. And this year, over local 20 schools
and many individuals are preparing to take part in
Operation Christmas Child, the project run by
charity Samaritan’s Purse. |
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“It is heartbreaking to
realise that thousands of children in the world
cannot look forward to toys and treats, whether at
Christmas or any other time of the year,” said
Buncrana-based shoebox appeal co-ordinator Ruth
Garvey-Williams, “simple things we take for granted,
like a toothbrush, a small cuddly toy or a toy car,
are priceless treasures for |
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youngsters who have
nothing.
“We had to wipe away tears when we watched a video
of the children receiving their shoebox gifts last
year. One little boy danced for five minutes, even
before he opened his shoebox and a small girl held
up a lollipop with a huge grin on her face. These
simple boxes are packed full of more than little
gifts – they are filled with love, joy and hope,”
Ruth added.
There is still time to fill a shoebox. Pick up a
leaflet in local shops, libraries or churches.
Filled shoeboxes can be delivered at the following
drop-off points up to November 12: Euro Spar,
Buncrana, Kelly’s Supermarket, Carndonagh Serenity
House, (Moville). Thanks to the generosity of
Buncrana councillor Paul Bradley, the Shoebox Appeal
Centre for Inishowen will be in the old EuroStretch
shop, High Street, Buncrana. The centre will be open
between Monday 3 November and Friday 14 November.
Call in any time to pick up leaflets or empty
shoeboxes or to find out more about the appeal.
Ready-wrapped shoeboxes will also be available for a
small donation (with all money going to fill more
boxes). If you can’t fill a box yourself, why not
drop off some small gifts (cuddly toys, stationery
items, sweets, etc.) and we will do the rest.
Volunteers are needed from Monday 3 November to help
check and seal all the boxes from Inishowen (in
order to meet the customs regulations). If you would
like to help or have any further questions please
call Ruth or Andrew on 074 93 22622.
(Inishowen Independent) |
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