eRotarian Debbie Vincent is responsible for managing our shoe box scheme.  Here she explains how important  our contribution can make to this worthwhile cause.

Shoeboxes are specially produced standardised giftboxes, not surprisingly about the size of an ordinary shoebox which are filled with items suitable for a particular age group and gender.

The scheme was started in 1994 by Clubs in District 1280 and rapidly became independent of the District and is now run by a Trust.  The flat packed boxes are purchased from the Trust and can be filled by anyone – individuals or organisations and then returned to the Trust for dispatch to appropriate recipients , mostly in the deprived parts of Eastern Europe.

Shoeboxes are sent to many that have very often never received a present before, so whatever is put in the box is like a ray of sunshine to whoever receives it at the other end.    They are now used all year round not just at Christmas when it first started.

This year shoeboxes are going to Moldova, a tiny country on theeastern border of Romania which is a very poor and deprived area, also the Ukraine will be receiving shoeboxes whereas Romania will be receiving fewer than previous years.

What made me want to fill shoeboxes and choose it for one of eClub’s projects was because simple things of everyday life to us and which we take for granted can make such a difference to babies, children, teenagers, young adults and elderly lifes and it all fits in a shoebox.

Last year this project was a great success so when I asked our President Janice if it could be done again I was thrilled when it was given the thumbs up.

I do hope some of you will take the time to come and help fill the shoeboxes, as just filling the box gives so much pleasure and I can imagine the delight and excitement of a child opening their present and I just wish I was a fly on the wall!

If you cannot come and help perhaps you could donate something to go in, everything is used.  I thank everyone who has given already.  If you have been given money to spend perhaps you could email me so we don’t double up on things.

Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday starting around 10.30 and 11.00am

19th October 2013

Contact Debbie on swindonchiro@aol.com if you can help on the day. If you have donations for the boxes they can be left at Swindon Chiropractic Clinic, 10 Swindon Road, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon, SN3 4PZ.  Tel: 01793 820599