Bounty of boxes collected for Christmas charity

A charity project helping vulnerable people in Eastern Europe has been supported by staff and councillors at Brighton & Hove City Council.

The Link to Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal asked for contributions of simple gifts to make a big difference to those in need.  Donated items were placed in shoeboxes ready for distribution to families, individuals and projects (such as orphanages and soup kitchens) throughout Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Albania and Ukraine.

Gifts include pens, pencils, gloves, socks, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and other household basics that many people in the UK take for granted.

A total of 94 festively wrapped boxes of Christmas gifts have been donated by councillors, staff and their families at Brighton & Hove City Council.

Deputy Leader Cllr Lizzie Deane helped prepare the boxes. Cllr Deane said: “The shoebox appeal is a simple and effective example of how Christmas is a time for giving. The boxes will reach vulnerable people in need of comfort in the midst of winter. This collection was supported from all areas of the council with people working together to help others.” 

The craft group at Tower House Day Centre filled their boxes with lovely hand-knitted hats, scarves and other goodies.  Individuals donated boxes and teams got together to collect up donations.  Staff in the Commissioning Support Unit collected 32 boxes and a joint effort in Democratic Services added a further 12 beautifully wrapped boxes jam packed with essential items and other gifts.  A large donation of children’s clothes was also made to help the charity.

The boxes were passed to Worthing-based charity Link to Hope so the gifts could be transported in time for distribution before Christmas.  The Shoebox Appeal has been running since 1992 and has delivered over 600,000 shoeboxes to hundreds of different locations in Eastern Europe over the years.

More information on the work of Link Romania