Group’s plea for helpers

Oct 24 2008 by Caroline Boxer, Strathearn Herald

MEMBERS of the local Blythswood Support Group are preparing for a busy three days next week - when they will sort through hundreds of boxes donated to this year’s Shoe Box Appeal.

Volunteers will be based at the new sorting station at the former Talking Heads hairdressers at the Crieff Hotel, which has been kindly offered to the group for the purpose by hotel owner Liz Dew.

The station will be open from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Wednesday, October 29, Thursday, October 30 and Friday, October 31.

However, the more hands the lighter the work, and Blythswood coordinator Kate Clements is keen to encourage anyone with some spare time to come along and help them to complete the task.

She said: “All of the shoeboxes have to be opened and checked before they are packed. This can be a long process and we would be very grateful to anyone who could spare an hour or two on one or more of these days. If you can help just come along to the Crieff Hotel and you will be made very welcome.”

Over the three days, members of the community are also welcome to drop off their filled boxes. Anyone who is unable to hand their box in during these times should contact Kate on (01764) 653993 and she will arrange a pick up.

If you haven’t filled a shoe box yet - but would like to- the Strathearn Herald office still has a number of wrapped boxes available at a cost of 50p (all funds raised go to the charity).

If you don’t have the time to fill a box but would like to contribute to this good cause, which brightens up Christmas for so many less fortunate than ourselves, financial donations will be gratefully received on the sorting days.

For more information visit www.blythswood.org or contact Kate Clements on 653993.