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Some might wince at the thought of Christmas already, but the Rotary Club is appealing to islanders to get ready to make this year's Shoebox Appeal “better than ever” with a target of 1500 boxes.
This annual initiative seeks to spread holiday joy to disadvantaged and displaced children in Eastern European countries who would typically receive very little or nothing for Christmas.
Islanders are urged to donate essential items and other "goodies" to be placed in shoeboxes which will be transported to a central Rotary base in the UK before being distributed in time for Christmas.
Pictured: The Jersey Appeal is part of a joint effort with Rotary clubs in the south of the UK, which collectively donated 18,000 boxes last year.
Tim Cartwright, a spokesperson for the Rotary Club, said: "Generally we are looking for a mix of practical items (toiletries, wooly hats, scarfs, gloves etc), educational items (crayons, colouring books, stationery sets etc) and fun items (toys, tennis balls, skipping ropes etc)."
He explained that it is important to remember not to include food, liquids, medicines, large toys, or items of a political, religious, racial, or war-related nature.
Pictured: Guidance on how to assemble your flat-pack shoebox.
Tracy Conoops, Rotary Club De La Manche President, said: “We are delighted that our club spearheads the local initiative as part of the worldwide Rotary efforts to bring a little joy to many children who would otherwise have nothing at Christmas.
"I would ask all in our island to join in to make this year’s efforts something to make our island truly proud.”
To participate, you can obtain a shoebox for £2 at the Santander Bank Café in Charing Cross between 11:00 and 15:00 on Thursday 5, 12, 19 or 26 October.
The deadline for submitting your filled shoeboxes is Friday 3 November.
There are several drop-off points for the shoeboxes, including Lloyds Bank in Broad Street and Parish Halls in St Ouen, St Mary, St Peter, St Clement and St John.
You must attach a £2 donation to the top of the shoebox using sellotape to help cover transportation and administration costs.
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