It might seem premature, but this year's appeal has started in Peasedown St John for Christmas shoeboxes. Mercy in Action, which opened its doors in the village almost four years ago, is asking for people to come forward to ensure orphaned and poor children in the Philippines have something to look forward to this Christmas. In recent times, many charities ask people to fill shoeboxes with gifts, food products and toys that can be taken to those less well off.
Mercy in Action has been working with street children and families living in poverty in the Philippines for nearly twenty years. They run two children's homes, a community drop-in centre and a schooling programme that sponsors 400 children to attend school.
The vast majority of funding for these projects comes from their chain of charity shops around Bath and elsewhere.
In Peasedown St John, Shop Manager, Mike Smith. along with Peasedown Councillors, Karen Walker and Nathan Hartley, are asking people to support the latest campaign and provide items which can be sent to some of the poorest people in the world for Christmas. Completed shoeboxes need to be handed into the Mercy in Action charity shop, Peasedown, by the end of August – so they can be shipped overseas.
Local campaigner and Vice-Chairman of the Parish Council, Karen Walker, said: "We need small toys, such as dolls, balls and small puzzles. Toiletries including flannels, toothbrushes and toothpaste, plus hairbands, combs and other products. Sweets, but nothing that could melt, and tinned goods, such as tuna or mackerel. The children also love Christmas cards or letters from people who donate shoeboxes, so feel free to write a personal message."
The Mercy in Action Shoebox Appeal is being supported by tRed shoes, who are donating shoeboxes – but anyone can provide their own. Boxes should be gender separated and into age groups, such as young child, 8–10-years-old and teenager. For details, contact: 01761 568317.