Belarus shoebox plea takes big step forward

MORE than 8000 gift-filled shoeboxes from across Edinburgh and Midlothian are heading to vulnerable children in Belarus as part of Operation Christmas Child, one of the UK’s largest annual children’s charity projects.

The shoeboxes have been donated by individuals, schools, businesses, churches and organisations located in communities including Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh, Gorebridge, Dalkeith, Loanhead, Penicuik and many many other areas.

Edinburgh and Midlothian area coordinator for Operation Christmas Child, June Vasey, said: “We’ve had shoeboxes from all over Edinburgh and Midlothian and it’s tremendous to see such kindness, particularly at a time when the economic downturn is hitting so many people.

“Everyone who has donated a shoebox can be absolutely certain that it will have a very positive impact.”