At the end of November and the beginning of December 2015, a few of us from Upchurch, spent some glorious hours, helping Anthony and Jenni from Blythswood check and sort the many thousands of shoe boxes that had been donated.
We were humbled and amazed at the love and generosity that had been poured into the shoe boxes. These precious boxes were destined for struggling adults, teenagers, children and babies all over Eastern Europe.
We learnt much about the strict regulations that Blythswood have to adhere to. For instance knitted stuffed toys, as beautiful as they may be, are not allowed in the boxes – why? - security believe they could hold drugs within the stuffing. Although candles are allowed matches are not. Sweets have to be taken out if there isn’t a sell by date (multi packs only have a date on the outer wrapper). Teddies/dolls have to carry a CE authorisation on their label. Sprays are not allowed. Chocolate or biscuits are not allowed. These were the things we sadly had to remove from the boxes – but they weren’t wasted they were passed on to charity shops and the Food Bank.
What we also did was add things. If there wasn’t a knitted scarf, gloves or hat we added them. No sweets – we added them. No toothpaste or brush – those were added. The list goes on. What we learnt was that Blythswood needed an extensive supply of many of the basic things they suggest for the boxes.
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So now we have another opportunity to fill a box with love. There will be leaflets at Church, Uplift and at the Rainbow Café. Any questions please Email: gilliangay99@yahoo.co.uk
or elizabeth.shorthouse@tesco.net
Boxes will be picked up from St. Mary’s the beginning of November so if you would like to donate a box we will need it by the last Sunday in October.
We would also be very grateful for any single items i.e., (new) scarves, hats, gloves, sweets, soap, flannels, toothpaste, toothburushes, shampoo. All these will be used to top up boxes where necessary.
The boxes bring great joy to people whose lives are often very bleak – they show them that someone somewhere cares. And for those of us that donate a box – we get the satisfaction that we have been able to make a real difference – how often can you say that.
You can learn more about the appeal at their website: www.blythswood.org/shoebox-appeal
Thank You
Gill Gay
Thank You
Gill Gay
St. Mary's - Uplift (Upchurch)
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