Shoeboxes

Twickenham Rotary members pick up filled boxes from schools, companies and individuals anywhere within the M25. We then process them and sort them by category onto pallets, which are then transported to the main depot near Manchester.

Sadly, people sometimes ignore the wording on the shoeboxes which states “do not include any sweets, chocolate, drinks or food of any kind or receiving Customs may confiscate this box”. Customs can also impose VERY hefty fines. Therefore, all boxes need to be checked that there is no food or sweets in particular, but also aerosols or batteries. If a toy works without batteries, it can be included, otherwise it stays out and is given to another local charity.

Sometimes, boxes are not full enough, i.e. they rattle when shaken. These then need topping up with supplies available in the work room, so that it’s not just some crayons in a cardboard box (which doesn’t last five minutes), but crayons in a pencil case, with sharpener, nice eraser, pencils, pens, highlighter, as well as either a notebook or colouring book. So that it’s a complete set. Add a yoyo, bouncy ball, a car or two, skipping rope…. Toothbrush and paste, flannel, tea lights… You get the idea… Those children may not have had a present all year, nor have any toys or even toiletries of their own if they are in an orphanage, so imagine their disappointment if their box is half empty and their neighbour’s is full to bursting. That’s why we top them up to bring big smiles to all of their faces and hours of fun into their lives.

We have several hundred boxes to process and would dearly love some help. In our work room there is a kettle, tea & coffee, squash and biscuits, and heating in the winter!

Can you spare an hour or two after school or at the weekend? If you are working towards your Duke of Edinburgh Award it can count as your volunteering requirement. You only have to be motivated to help!

Come and have a look! Let’s see whether we can find a mutually convenient time for you to help on a regular basis! Contact us via email twickenhamrotary@gmx.com or call 07366-180789.

See www.rotaryshoebox.org for more information about the charity, which has been running for over 30 years and has sent more than a million shoeboxes to eastern Europe.

We look forward to seeing you!

Eva Peters - Rotary Club of Twickenham