Spreading some festive joy among some of the poorest people in Europe is at the heart of a forthcoming charity campaign.
Buckie Blythswood Christmas Shoebox Appeal will once again be hoping to benefit from local folks’ generosity to help make December 25 a special one for people of all ages.
It was a bumper year for donations to the 2023 Buckie Blythswood Christmas Shoebox Appeal. Picture: Sam Johnston
The charity’s dedicated team of local volunteers will be at Buckie Baptist Church hall on Cluny Place from Monday to Wednesday, November 4-6 to either receive already filled shoeboxes or goods which can be used to fill them.
The hall will be open from 2pm-7pm on the Monday, 10am-7pm on Tuesday and 10am-2pm on the Wednesday.
Last year saw boxes from Buckie head for the Eastern European state of Romania, while this time around it will be people in the neighbouring country of Moldova – one of the poorest in Europe – who will be receiving gifts.
Despite the ongoing cost of living crisis, a record number of shoeboxes were donated in 2024 to the tune of 1577.
The boxes contain gifts for all age groups, ranging from small toys for youngsters through to the likes of gloves and toiletries for adults.
There are fresh faces organising the Buckie appeal this year in the shape of Karen McKilligan and her husband Kenneth, who have taken over the reins from stalwart couple George and Joan Flett.
Mrs McKilligan said: “A lot of Blythswood’s efforts this year are going to Ukraine as there’s a great need there, however, the charity’s people on the ground on Moldova have identified a need there, too, so this year that’s our target country.
“We’re appealing for either filled shoeboxes or goods to fill them with. Already filled is our preferred option but we’ll gratefully accept what people can spare us. Fillers are always needy and we’ll gladly take them.
“As usual, we’ve no targets, we’ll be delighted with what ever we can send.
“If people aren’t in a position to donate items or shoeboxes but still want to help they can make cash donations which will help with the ever-rising costs of transporting the shoeboxes by lorry to Moldova. It’s a massive cost as fuel is so dear.
“Local people have been so generous in the past, even through some of the hardest times, and hope folk will once again decide to help as their circumstances allow. We realise things just continue to get more and more expensive, so whatever folk can spare will be most welcome.
“These shoeboxes are going to some of the poorest people in Europe. This really is the true spirit of Christmas, bringing some joy to those who have nothing.”
Mrs McKilligan went on to pay tribute to Mr and Mrs Flett for their steadfast years in the organisational role.
She continued: “George and Joan were just fantastic, they gave so much time and energy to the shoebox appeal and have left behind an excellent organisation and a great team.
“It’s been a big step taking over from them for myself and Kenneth
“I’ve volunteered with the appeal for years but this is a step up. The team have been very helpful and we’ve some new folk on the committee, too.
“We’re keen to hear from anyone who would be interested in volunteering to pack shoeboxes and the like.”
The group now have their own Facebook page for news and updates regarding the appeal – Buckie Blythswood Shoebox Appeal Support Group.
For a full list of items which can be sent, visit https://blythswood.org/shoeboxappeal/
Since their first shoebox appeal in 1993, Blythswood have sent more than 2.6 million boxes.
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