A special Christmas tradition

A family of 13 are continuing their late mother’s legacy by creating Christmas shoeboxes for the ‘Team Hope’ appeal.

This year, the Killinkere family have created over 600 boxes for children in poverty, writes Michelle Taite.

“As a family we are continuing our mother’s passion for filling Team Hope Christmas shoeboxes,” says a daughter of Agnes, Helen Nulty.

A spare room in one of the family homes has been turned into a “mini factory”. Each year the family work together to fill and wrap each box with loving care.

“The all year round project is truly a family effort, with siblings, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and extended family often coming up with new ideas,” continues Helen. “Like making wash bags and pencil cases. Some family members buy soft toys, some supply the sweets, others clothing items, pens, pencils, colouring books, toys, tennis balls, and lots of knitting.

“The local charity shops collect soft toys, and family and friends donate money to cover the cost of delivery of each box to the children. Local pharmacies supply toothpaste and ecco shoe shop in Blanchardstown very kindly provide the empty shoeboxes for us to cover and fill,” she reveals of the effort.

As time goes on, the Christmas crew has continued to grow with many introducing other friends and neighbours to the cause.

“Some family members have recruited friends to knit hats and scarves, and volunteers in a local nursing home take part also.”

All members are then invited to check the boxes just before they are sent away.

“It’s a very special experience, sending out a real message of love to children, and they hope to continue, as a family, for as long as they possibly can.”

Agnes first got involved with the initiative 14 years ago when she saw one of her daughters packing shoe boxes for a local school.

“She fell in love with the project straight away and began knitting bags, scarves and clothes for dolls and teddies, making sure they were all dressed well in knitted garments,” continues Helen.

Through the years, Agnes volunteered her own time and money to create the thoughtful gifts. As people became more aware of the work she was doing, she received donations from the public and many even volunteered their own time to lend a hand.

“Agnes spent her vouchers and money gifts on shoebox items so her family knew exactly what to get her for special occasions,” continues Helen. “She got a lot more enjoyment out of spending money on the shoebox gifts than on herself.

“The project provided a great focus for her and she knew how much a shoebox would mean to a child who never received a gift. She had a wonderful love for children, and she would imagine the joy for a child opening their box at Christmas time.”

The dedicated lady spent each entire year looking out for deals and discounts for her boxes. She also knitted clothing for the children’s dolls.

“She collected items all year round, dedicating a bedroom in her home for the gifts, and proudly showing off her Christmas collection to the family throughout the year.”

The Clarke family are looking forward to continuing the tradition into the future and encouraging others to help out in any way they can.

The boxes donated by the Clarke family were among a grand total of 4,246 packed shoeboxes processed through the Team Hope sorting office in Cootehill last week for children in Moldova.

Co-ordinator Hazel Speares is blown over by the response: "We would like to sincerely thank everyone who helped in so many different ways. To those who provided filled shoeboxes boxes, the all year round knitters, those who donated money, the volunteers at the sorting office, thank you. It really is a TEAM effort."

There is still time to fill a shoebox online, as the deadline is extended to December 23. If you would like to become involved, call 01-2940222, or check out the Team Hope website for details.