CREDITON Courier correspondent, Margaret Tucker, with the help of her three great grandchildren, Milla, Jack and Kaide and Kaide’s friend, Cobie, have been busy preparing 40 shoe boxes to send to children in Moldova for Christmas.

Margaret explained: “Moldova is the poorest country in Eastern Europe where there is now little work, especially since the introduction of tractors in the country areas.

“Most children get no presents at all at Christmas, many live in the country with little or no amenities. In winter it is very, very cold, around minus 30 to 40 degrees.

“This is all organised by Hugh Scudder of Christian Response at Kennford. He, personally, with his band of helpers, will be taking the shoe boxes to Moldova in early December.”

Each of Margaret’s great grandchildren have been given the name and age of children of similar ages, so their boxes become really personal, as they also put in a card and photograph of themselves, which Hugh says they really treasure.

Margaret says that in previous years they have received several letters back, expressing their thanks, although not written in English!

Margaret, who is helped by partner, Derek, says she starts buying items for the shoe boxes in January in the sales and continues throughout the year, whenever there are bargains to be had and getting the basics like toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap etc, with her weekly shop, so it does not become expensive as it is spread out over the year.

Margaret added: “We all really love doing the shoe boxes, giving the children and myself as much pleasure as those receiving it.

“Each box contains crayons, felt tip pens, school items, gloves, hats, small toys and games, bracelets and a small cuddly toy, plus balloons, which the children love and, of course, sweets and chocolates, which Hugh says they always share with their friends.

Margaret adds that she feels it is important that her own little ones, really appreciate there are children in poor countries who have nothing at all at Christmas, or in fact, the rest of the year either.