Since 1966, Blythswood Care has combined the Christian message with practical help for those in need. It exists to support needy people in Eastern Europe, with warm clothing, bedding and, additionally, at Christmas time, it supplies beautiful gift boxes for men, women and children through the Shoebox Appeal. Countries supported include Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine.
In 2020, despite all the challenges of Covid-19, Aberfeldy, Pitlochry and their wider districts contributed almost 300 beautifully packed shoeboxes to the national total of 75,218 shoeboxes and bags which were sent off to Eastern Europe for distribution.
Despite the difficulties that very poor people in these countries face every day through poverty, illness, disability, or other disadvantages, receiving a shoebox brings such joy to children and adults; their faces light up with huge smiles. See https://blythswood.org/shoeboxappeal/ for some really moving stories and pictures of this year’s Shoebox Appeal.
Thanks to everyone who helped to make the 2020 Appeal such a success in the face of so many challenges. Your kindness and generosity make such a difference to lives that are otherwise almost hopeless. Katie Allstaff and Donna Davies.