11,000 shoebox gifts donated in Westmeath over last three years

Locals in Westmeath have generated over 11,000 Christmas shoebox gifts for children affected by poverty over the last three years.

Since 2010, Team Hope has delivered over 2.8million shoebox gifts from Ireland to countries across Africa and Eastern Europe - and will ship off its three-millionth in the coming weeks.

Figures compiled by the charity show that, in the last three years, donors in Westmeath have created almost 11,200 gifts, and there is still time to increase that total – with drop-off points open across the county until this Saturday, November 15.

“The support we have received from the people of Westmeath since 2010 has been incredible,” said Team Hope CEO, Deborah Lowry, who added that there is "always a need" for more shoeboxes.

She has urged local schools, parents, businesses and community groups to come together for "one last push" to create their own shoeboxes this week. "The boxes are often packed by children for children, and they carry not only toys and treats but also the invisible gifts of love and hope" says Deborah "that kindness, travelling across oceans, reminds a child that they are not forgotten – that someone, somewhere cares about them.”

Surpassing the magical three million shoebox mark ties in with Team Hope's 15th anniversary of bringing happiness to children in some of the poorest parts of the world, many of whom have never experienced the joy of Christmas.

Everyone in Westmeath is urged to continue the effort - filled shoeboxes can be dropped off until November 15 at: Savoury Fare restaurant at Fernhill Garden Centre in Athlone, and also at Fagan’s Toymaster, Mullingar and a number of other outlets in the town, or with local Mullingar volunteer, Maria Timmons.

Donors, if they prefer, can choose to send a personalised €25 shoebox online through Team Hope’s website, right up until Christmas Eve.

To get involved, see www.teamhope.ie