By Bejay Browne
VOLUNTEERS in Paphos are hoping to match last year’s successful public appeal to fill hundreds of shoeboxes with Christmas gifts and raise cash for needy children and their families.
Last year, the ‘Gift of Love- Solidarity’ venture successfully raised over €4000 in cash donations, and collected close to one thousand shoe boxes stuffed full of Christmas gifts for children of all ages. The idea is to decorate a regular-sixed shoe box and separate lid, and fill it with a selection of toys for children. Boxes must be clearly marked whether they are for boys or girls and the age category.
The Christmas Gift of Love venture has been organised by volunteers Mikka Heaney, Dikla Smith and Theodosia Christodoulou, for a second year.
“We gave about 450 Christmas gifts to children of underprivileged families in Paphos last year and due to the huge response also gave gifts to children with special needs, as well as families receiving help from various organisations and churches, said Smith. “We also managed to help feed families over the holiday season.” “
She praised the overwhelming support of the public and local businesses which made it possible.
“It’s our hope that we will achieve similar success this year and are hoping the public will support the shoe box appeal,” she said.
‘Gift of Love – Solidarity Shoe Box Appeal’ is an annual effort that raises funds and collects gifts for children from underprivileged families which are either registered with the social welfare or the charity organisation Solidarity Paphos. Solidarity was set up in 2012 and helps all those in need, of any nationality or background.
The gifts are collected from various drop-off points across Paphos and are either delivered by a secret Santa (volunteers) to the doorstep of the families on Christmas Eve, or handed to parents when they are collecting their food parcels prior to Christmas at the Solidarity office.
All of the gifts are either purchased by members of the community or by members of Gift of Love – Solidarity, through donations and sponsorships. The gifts must be of a suitable size to fit into a shoebox.
“We would ask people to wrap the lid and box separatelyand not tape them together, or wrap it as one piece. We have to open each box and check that the gifts are suitable and that they are fairly distributed.”
Smith said that each shoebox contains around 15 euros worth of treats.
Smith explained that ideally each box should include a combination of practical and pleasurable items. A toothbrush, toothpaste and some socks for example could be combined with a toy and chocolate.
The age categories go up every two years, such as 0-2 years, 2- 4 years and so on. Each box should be clearly labelled whether it’s for a boy or girl and the age group it’s suitable for.
“Last year we had far fewer boxes for teenagers and babies, so we used some of the donations to purchase these ourselves.Cash donations also went towards buying baby milk and food as well as nappies.” Smith said the same would be done this year.
Promotional items have been prepared for sale in a bid to drum up more cash, including Christmas cards and decorations which are being sold at various locations in the area. Raffle tickets are also on sale.
“We estimate there will be around 600 children in total. We will have lists of all gift ideas ready in the coming days, which will be publicised both on our Facebook page and our official website, which is currently being updated.”
Boxes can be dropped off at collection points from November 1 until December 10.
“From December 1 we would be grateful for as many volunteers as possible, to help us check all of the boxes,” she said.
Those who need shoe boxes can pick them up from Sports Direct shop in Mesoyi in Paphos.
For further information -Dikla Smith 97 789099, Mikka Heaney 96 462558, Theodosia Christodoulou 97 829504
Websites: www.facebook.com/GiftOfLoveSolidarity
