SANDFORD resident, Margaret Phillips is currently collecting gifts, toiletries and empty shoeboxes for the charity, Link to Hope, which aims to support two particular areas of need – education and social care and aims to combat poverty in Eastern Europe.

The boxes will be filled and sent to under privileged children, families and the elderly in Romania, Moldova, Ukraine and Bulgaria.

Margaret is collecting empty show boxes as well as any small knitted children’s items and any spare wool. Gifts and shoeboxes can be left at Sandford Community Stores.

Margaret also collects used postage stamps for Hospiscare - these can also be left at Sandford Community Stores or at the Crediton Courier office,102 High Street, Crediton.

For more information telephone Margaret Phillips on 01363 775185.

• Margaret has changed to the Link to Hope charity as The Mustard Seed Relief Mission “Love in a Box” shoebox appeal has been suspended as the charity is currently only collecting donations.

Nora Parminter