by Alan Quick

A CREDITON woman has sent more than 100 shoe boxes filled with essential items for children in need in Moldova, the country sandwiched between Romania and the Ukraine, which is one of the poorest countries in Europe.

It has been a year-long effort for Margaret Tucker, supported by her partner, Derek Shapland, to collect items for the boxes.

A few weeks ago after packing all the boxes into their car, the couple made two trips to Kenton, near Exeter, to deliver 101 shoe boxes to the home of Hugh Scudder, from the organisation Christian Response, ready for him to take to the collection point at Exmouth.

The boxes have now arrived in Moldova and Margaret says she knows they will bring Christmas cheer to the children who receive them.

Margaret said: “I would like to thank those who left empty shoe boxes for me, and to those who filled 11 boxes, Mrs Pam Webber and family, Cheriton Fitzpaine Brownies, Biffo, and to those who gave me items to help fill the boxes.

“I would especially like to thank Kate at Refurnish, Brenda Fowler, Pat Beetlestone and Grace Hill, who gave knitted hats and mittens.

“Also thank you to those who gave cash donations.

“All of the boxes were packed with essential toiletries, including soap, flannels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoos, cuddly toys, board games, chess and dominoes, small cars, and items for school, including pencil cases, crayons, notebooks, calculators etc.

“Some of the boxes had bracelets, t-shirts, socks, plus chocolates, as they love chocolate.”

Margaret was also able to pack two large family boxes.

She added: “Mr Scudder also runs a Christmas Soup Kitchen and party for the children, when many of the shoe boxes are handed out, to great excitement, as that is the only gift the children have at Christmas.

“It is such fun to do the boxes, and thinking what to put in for each sex and age group, from five to 16 years, and squeezing them in to the box, which Derek then ties up firmly with string.

“I also include a Christmas card, with a family photo, as Hugh says they do like to know who sent their presents.”

Margaret starts collecting suitable things to go into the boxes by going along to the January sales and then is on the lookout for bargains throughout the year.

“I really love doing them,” she added.

She is now also doing boxes for older ladies and men as well because, she adds, “they too are very poor, and really appreciate a small gift, soap, perfume, and body lotion is a real luxury, as is a bar of chocolate.”

In the past Margaret has received several thank you letters.

She added that Christian Response also take a couple of lorry loads of clothes, bedding etc to Moldova during the year to help those in need.

She says she is always delighted to receive photographs from the charity of the children opening the boxes she has sent.

Alan Quick