By John Procter
It’s that time of the year when volunteers again ask people, organisations, churches and uniform groups to help Rotary Club of Calverley fill festive shoe boxes.
They will be collected together at a Shoebox Service at Farsley Community Church on Sunday, 17 November.
Often local schools, children’s uniformed organisations, church groups, companies, elderly peoples homes, friends and relatives are the ones who enthusiastically fill the boxes.
Last year the club collected 190 shoeboxes which were taken to the big warehouse in Oldham to be sorted by a team of volunteers into different categories.
Once delivered the boxes are distributed by Rotary Clubs and other tried and trusted partners ensuring that your gifts go to those most in need.
The person filling the box, may donate a few £1 coins to the top of the box. This is then retrieved by the local Club who can use to offset their original outlay. The initial purchase cost is used for delivering and collection of boxes from our supporters, transport costs to Eastern & Central Europe and for manufacturing the boxes.
If you, your family, your works would like to fill a box or two and join the The Scouts, Boys Brigade and Girls Association, members of the churches and Rotary Member then email the Secretary j_m_procter@hotmail.com.
]Suggested items to fill your Shoebox
Child – For young children
Cars, trucks, etc, balls, complete jigsaws, action figures, colouring books, pens, crayons, yo-yo, bubble blowers, wooden and plastic toys, pencil case, pencil sharpener, dominoes, play-doh / plasticine & cutters, fluffy toys, dolls, stickers, writing pads, skipping rope, scarf, mittens / gloves, hat, harmonica, games, cards,
Teenagers – For young people up to 18 years age
Sportswear, scarf, gloves, socks, hat, football memorabilia, writing materials, games, playing cards, tennis ball, tooth brush & paste, roll-on deodorants, comb, mirror, costume jewellery, make-up, hair brush, toiletries, school stationery, clothing repair kits, sketch pad, coloured pens / pencils…
Household Goods – For older folk and families
Scarves, gloves, hats, wrapped soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, disposable razors, shampoo, soap flakes, pan scourers, antiseptic cream, bandages, face or body creams, cosmetics, pens, writing pad & envelopes, T lights, candles, sewing kit, scissors.
Baby – Age up to 12 months
This is given to new mothers and can include baby wipes, baby shampoo, baby oil, talc powder, bonnet, bootees and mitts, baby grow, baby blanket, small soft toy or plastic rattle…
WHAT NOT TO INCLUDE IN ANY BOX
Do not include any sweets, chocolate, drinks or food of any kind as they are against customs regulations at country borders, battery operated toys, conflict related items, matches, inflammable liquids, inflammable aerosols (eg: deodorants and hair spray), seeds or any other living material or automatic washing machine powders.