Blythswood Shoebox Appeal launched in Caithness
The annual Blythswood Shoebox Appeal is going ahead with new measures in place to comply with coronavirus guidance.
The local co-ordinator for Castletown and the surrounding communities, Christine Stone, launched the appeal locally this week.
Gifts packed in shoeboxes are delivered each Christmas to people in eastern Europe who are experiencing poverty, illness, disability or other disadvantages.
Mrs Stone explained that staff and children of Castletown school and nursery have received shoebox leaflets and accompanying letters. Leaflets are also available from the local hub, Castletown and Community Free Church.
"Due to the pandemic, the appeal this year will be managed in a different manner to the normal routine that has been in place over the last two decades," Mrs Stone said.
"In the past, intergenerational community members have come together to form working groups dedicated to wrapping and filling boxes at different occasions, in various venues, and with a great deal of camaraderie.
"Clearly, this system will be set aside for this year in order to keep everyone safe and to adhere to Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions.
"This year, wrapped, filled, labelled shoeboxes or filled drawstring bags can be handed in to the local community hub, Castletown and Community Free Church. This will be our single collection point for shoeboxes and gift bags this year, in terms of our local Castletown and communities appeal.
"Donations of knitted garments – such as blankets, hats, scarves or gloves – will be gratefully accepted also, and will be sent to the depot on the day in big, bulky boxes for onward distribution."
Mrs Stone added: "Any money donations to help with the ongoing high costs of shoebox transportation to eastern Europe will also be most welcome and can be handed in to the same collection point."
Anyone who wishes to be involved in the appeal this year can contact Mrs Stone if they require a wrapped shoebox or drawstring bag.
"There are plenty of each and available at any time, by arrangement," she said. "These do not have to be completely filled but need only contain what folk are able to manage within their circumstances."
The lorry will be arriving in the county on Wednesday, November 11, and will be in the car park opposite McColl’s shop in Castletown between 11.30am and noon.
The last handing-in date for shoeboxes or gift bags will be Friday, November 6, to allow the final collection a time of quarantine prior to uplift.
Anyone wishing more information can contact Mrs Stone on 01847 821321.
The Blythswood Care website is www.blythswood.org