Last year the Gift of Love Solidarity Christmas shoeboxes raised over €4,000 in cash donations and collected close to 1,000 shoeboxes filled with a selection of toys for children on the island.
They hope to exceed these numbers this year.
If you wish to participate, they ask that you decorate the lid and box separately and not tape them together or wrap them as one piece. Ideally each box should include a combination of practical and pleasurable items. A toothbrush, toothpaste and some socks for example could be combined with a toy and chocolate.
A limited number of shoeboxes are available at the Welfare Centre in Tala. These are on the large table just inside the door.
The age categories go up every 2 years such as 0-2 years, 2-4 years and so on. Each box should be clearly labelled whether it is for a boy or girl and the age group it is suitable for.
Last year there were far fewer boxes for teenagers and babies so Solidarity used some of the cash donated to purchase these themselves. Cash donations also went towards buying baby milk and food, as well as nappies.
Promotional items have been prepared for sale in a bid to drum up more cash, including Christmas cards and decorations which are being sold at various locations in the area. Items can be purchased at Young Stars Theatre and Performing Arts School, Revolution Hair & Beauty Academy, Aphrodite's Rock Brewing Company,Peter Morton Removals and Peyia Medical Centre.
Boxes can be dropped off at collection points from 1 November until 10 December. Solidarity also require volunteers from 1 December to help check all the boxes.
Collection points:
- Aphrodite Rock Brewing Company
- Paradisos Hills Hotel
- Peter Morton Removals
- Peyia Medical Centre
- Revival Fashions
- Revolution Hair Salon
For donations to Solidarity Paphos, here are the official charity account details:
- Bank: USB Bank
- Account number: 146-4-0003649-12012
- IBAN: CY79011000621464000364912012
- SWIFT CODE (BIC) : UNVKCY2N
Further information available from:
Dikla Smith - 97 789099
Mikka Heaney - 96 462558
http://cyprus-mail.com/2015/10/25/paphos-christmas-gift-shoe-box-appeal/
http://www.sunshineradio.com/on-air/gift-of-love-solidarity-paphos-sunshine-radio/