Mustard Seed Jersey is urging islanders to donate blankets and duvets for families in Ukraine and Romania as part of its Christmas Shoebox Appeal – after hearing that children who received its boxes later died from the cold.
The annual initiative supports families and displaced children who would typically receive very little or nothing for Christmas.
In a social media post, the charity said: “We would be delighted to receive more blankets to send to Ukraine and Romania as the winters can be so bitterly cold there.
“Sadly, a number of years ago, we heard that children we gave a Christmas shoebox to in December froze to death in January. This is what inspired our emphasis on blankets.
“All blankets and duvets are so very welcome, but we know the recipients are often moved to receive a handmade blanket knowing it means someone cared enough to make it.”
Mustard Seed Jersey was set up by islander Rose Pallot in 1988 to provide essential items for people in the Bihor region of Romania.
The charity says donors can deliver items up to the middle of September at the packing loft in Cardiff House on La Ruette du Coin Varin in St Peter.
If donating a shoebox, the charity has asked for all items included to be as good as new, preferably new.
Each box should be suitable for a child of either gender, and all items of clothing – ideally socks, hats, gloves and scarves – should be the appropriate size for the designated age group.
No war-related toys or items that could be used as weapons will be accepted.
More details on how to donate a shoebox and what to include can be found at mustardseed.org.je.