Hundreds of gift boxes on their way after 'hugely generous' response to Blythswood appeal
Hundreds of boxes containing Christmas gifts are on their way to those in need across eastern Europe thanks to the kindness of the public in the far north.
Christine Stone, local coordinator for Castletown and surrounding communities for the annual Blythswood Shoebox Appeal, praised the "hugely generous" response and thanked her team of helpers.
The Blythswood lorries arrived in Castletown on Thursday to pick up the assembled gift bags and shoeboxes, along with bigger boxes of larger knitwear and blankets.
"Everyone’s contributions amounted to an amazing total of 461 shoeboxes, along with £355 of money donations towards the costs of transportation," Mrs Stone said.
"This is a hugely generous response that will benefit and bless the many recipients in eastern Europe this winter. I am also grateful to the incredible team of workers who wrapped, filled and labelled boxes or filled up gift bags from the huge stock of donations handed in over the past three weeks.
"Thank you to class 6/7 at Castletown Primary School for their beautifully wrapped boxes, and for the kind donations from school and nursery. It’s great to have such willing help and also to see such a generous, kind spirit throughout our county and further afield.
"To everyone from all over, who contributed in any way to this year’s Blythswood Shoebox Appeal – thank you. As we say at the end of every appeal, it is time now to start looking out for things for next year."
Members of the public were invited to give knitted garments such as hats, scarves and gloves, as well as toiletries and money donations. Boxes and bags from the local appeal are going to Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine.
Blythswood Care is a Christian charity based in Evanton, Easter Ross.