Saturday cut-off for Christmas Shoebox appeal donations

This Saturday, November 15, marks the cut-off point for donations of Christmas shoeboxes for this year. People in Westmeath have generated 11,111 Christmas shoebox gifts for children affected by poverty over the last three years, and will help the ‘Team Hope’ charity pass the three million mark nationally in time for Christmas.

Since 2010, Team Hope has delivered some 2.8 million shoebox gifts from Ireland to Africa and Eastern Europe, and will ship off its three-millionth in the coming weeks.

“The support we have received from the people of Westmeath since 2010 has been incredible,” said Team Hope CEO, Deborah Lowry, “but there’s always a need for more shoeboxes so it would be great if schools, parents, businesses and community groups across the county can come together for one last push to create their own.

“They are often packed by children for children and carry not only toys and treats but also the invisible gifts of love and hope. That kindness, travelling across oceans, reminds a child that they are not forgotten – that someone, somewhere cares about them.”

Surpassing the 3m mark ties in with the charity’s 15th anniversary.

Everyone in Westmeath is urged to continue the effort - filled shoeboxes can be dropped off until November 15 at: Fagan’s Toymaster, Mullingar, First Stop Mullingar, Axa Insurance, Mullingar, Petworld, Mullingar, Savoury Fare Restaurant at Fernhill Garden Centre Athlone or with local volunteer Maria Timmons, Mullingar.

See www.teamhope.ie.