Deadline for Christmas shoe boxes approaches

A Cavan-run Christmas Shoe Box Appeal is asking that any outstanding donations or care packages be delivered to them before shipping takes place towards the end of this week.

Last year, from Cavan alone, Team Hope delivered 4,462 boxes to make a difference in the lives of children living in abject poverty in Eastern Europe and Africa.

“People are just so generous,” says Hazel Speares, who along with Edna Smith are the Team Hope co-ordinators for Co Cavan.

Hazel adds that the donations not only impact the life of a child but the whole family. “We’ve seen that firsthand.”

Last year boxes went to Transnistria, a breakaway state internationally recognised as part of Moldova, and to Romania the year before that.

Hazel has herself been to Kosovo, and Edna has travelled to Romania.

“There is no explaining the poverty in some of these places. Some of these places, they have been war stricken, and 15 years or more later they still haven’t recovered fully. There is a lot of emotional trauma,” explains Edna.

Team Hope have been in existence for more than 25 years, but Hazel and Edna have been joint co-ordinators for Cavan for the last eight. Both got involved after they retired teaching - Hazel at Rockcorry NS and Edna in Billis.

“But we would have been involved while in the schools bringing shoeboxes to the centre and helping to sort out and do the odd collection. We then became co-ordinators.”

This the third year that the Presbyterian Church Hall on Cootehill’s Bridge Street has been a collection/distribution point.”We’re very grateful to the committee of the hall and to Reverend Daryll Edwards. It has become a fabulous home for all this effort.”

Most afternoons the Team Hope Cavan team has upwards of two dozen volunteers helping to check, sorted, and added to with fillers such as reading and writing material - “very important” say the two former educators. The format is repeated by a separate but equally dedicated group of volunteers come evening time.

“We ensure they all get something to wear and something to wash with. So facecloth and soap, toothbrush and toothpaste,” explains Hazel.

“There’s also something to write with, maybe copy books and school supplies, and then something with a wow factor. Maybe a wee toy, and definitely sweets.”

Once boxes are deemed “good to go”, each one is taped with a Team Hope wrapping and sorted according to age suitability and gender.

This year the Hen’s Shed in Cavan has also got involved. Both Hazel and Edna gave talks to members during the year, and in return volunteers have emerged from the various groups throughout the county.”That has been a brilliant help,” regards Edna, who says the shoeboxes are scheduled to be collected later this week before being sent to children in developing countries who may not otherwise experience the joy of receiving gifts at Christmas.

The women say the shoe box appeal serves as a timely reminder of the spirit of giving and compassion, especially at this time of year.

“It’s about spreading a little hope and joy,” says Edna.

For more information visit www.teamhope.ie or contact Hazel 0879903520 or Edna 0876300207.

Retailer drop-off points include Dealz, Firststop and Toymaster.