OVER the past 18 months or so, the local humanitarian aid donations for Moldova through Christian Response to Eastern Europe (cr2ee) has been outstanding. 

Whether from our village of Hemyock and the surrounding area of Tiverton and the Culm Valley, or further afield from Welllington, Taunton to as far as Yeovil, aid has poured in. 

Whether it’s been a few knitted squares to turn into blankets to clothing, toys, small medical aids and wheelchairs - the list has been endless. We have been quite overwhelmed and are truly grateful for the support of so many. 

While we continue to accept aid our thoughts now turn to the annual Christmas Shoebox Appeal which has also in the past been extremely well supported locally.

Last year, due to the pandemic, there was concern whether boxes would be donated but over 5,000 were received at the Exmouth depot. Would you be willing to help this years appeal?

The concept is simple - fill a box of any size with gifts for a child, teenager, adult or very elderly person, perhaps add a Christmas card and photo of yourself, wrap in festive paper, secure and label who it is appropriate for.

The only stipulation is that ALL gifts are new and for toys, nothing war related or with English words. No monetary donation is required.

To fill a box with lovely new things can be expensive, and if this is too much could you get together with friends or neighbours and fill a box to the brim? 

The people of Moldova live very grim lives and this has been even more so over the past couple of years.

Receiving a Christmas box that has been filled with love gives hope to those who receive them. 

If you would like a few ideas of what to enclose or have any queries, please contact jbawler1947@hotmail.co.uk, or call 07773 579809. 

Boxes need to be at 4 South View, Hemyock, before November 18. Local collection may be possible.

With our grateful thanks

JANICE AND DAVID BAWLER