Huge Roscommon effort helps shoebox appeal break 3 million barrier

Locals in Roscommon have generated 6,839 Christmas shoebox gifts for children affected by poverty over the last three years – and helped a charity pass the 3million mark nationally in time for Christmas.

Since 2010, Team Hope has delivered over 2.8million shoebox gifts from Ireland to countries across Africa and Eastern Europe - and will ship off its three-millionth in the coming weeks.

The charity’s figures show that in the last three years, kind-hearted donors in Roscommon have created almost 7,000 gifts.

And there is still time to increase that total – with drop-off points open around the county until November 15.

“The support we have received from the people of Roscommon since 2010 has been incredible,” said Team Hope CEO, Deborah Lowry.

“But there’s always a need for more shoeboxes so it would be great if schools, parents, businesses and community groups across the county can come together for one last push to create their own.

“They are often packed by children for children and carry not only toys and treats but also the invisible gifts of love and hope.

“That kindness, travelling across oceans, reminds a child that they are not forgotten – that someone, somewhere cares about them.” Surpassing the magical 3million shoebox mark ties in with the charity’s 15th anniversary of bringing happiness to children in some of the poorest parts of the world, many of whom have never experienced the joy of Christmas.

Everyone in Roscommon is urged to continue the effort - filled shoeboxes can be dropped off until November 15 at these locations: Family Resource Centre, Boyle, Mulligan’s Hardware, Ballaghaderreen, Scahill’s Furniture, Castlerea, Roscommon Sports, or with local volunteer Sarah Sparrow in Boyle.

Donors, if they prefer, can choose to send a personalised €25 shoebox online through Team Hope’s website, right up until Christmas Eve.

To get involved, see www.teamhope.ie.