Rotary Shoebox appeal - starting early for Christmas!
Imagine what it would be like if you announced at home that you were taking over the conservatory from spring until September to store over a hundred shoeboxes – you would miss using it for the majority of the summer! That’s what Carol Tredget of Gosport did on behalf of the Rotary Shoebox appeal every year. Many do this but, for Carol, it’s been for a quarter of a century – you have to be blessed with an understanding family to prepare so many!
Shoeboxes are sent by Rotary Clubs containing gifts for disadvantaged children to Eastern Europe and beyond. Carol started making up shoeboxes in the Millennium year and, when she moved to Gosport, she decided to continue that support through the Rotary Club of Gosport with help from members of Stokes Bay WI.
As President of Stokes Bay WI, Angela MacCallum, says: “Our members have helped Carol over the years by providing some of the warm clothing, cosmetics, colouring books and toys to fill the boxes and sponsored quite a number of them. We help a number of charities in our club which this year includes Level-Up Gosport and Rowans Hospice.”
At Carol’s home In Gosport the mounting pile of festive shoeboxes, 105 of them, has been a real family affair with everyone pulling their weight to complete them in time. As Carol says: “In my past I have found Rotary to be so supportive of my family and I felt this was a lovely way to give something back through their shoebox appeal.” She has often raised funds to buy items for the boxes through boot sales but now, after 25 years, it is time for Carol to hang up her Santa hat and leave others to carry on the good work.
Stokes Bay WI meet monthly in the Parish Centre Alverstoke on the third Tuesday of the month from 10am - 12 noon with interesting meetings, outings and special events. For more information on membership, and to arrange a visit, see our website at stokesbaywi.co.uk