Stokes Bay WI collect gifts for shoebox collection

By Pam Marsden

STOKES BAY WI have started early preparations for Christmas through one of its members, Carol Tredget, who unveiled her collection of over one hundred shoeboxes stored in her home conservatory this summer as part of an annual project on behalf of the Rotary Shoebox appeal.

These shoeboxes are prepared by volunteers and donations are collected together, before they are sent to Rotary Clubs containing gifts for disadvantaged children in Eastern Europe and beyond. Carol has done this for the last quarter of a century since the Millennium year and this has continued her support since moving to Gosport; where she has been helped by fellow members of Stokes Bay WI.

President of Stokes Bay WI, Angela MacCallum, said: “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.”

There is currently a mounting pile of 105 shoeboxes at Carol’s address in Gosport, but it has been a family affair with everybody pulling their weight to complete them in time before the upcoming deadline. This is normally in late summer to allow the gifts to arrive with recipients in time for the festive occasion on December 25.

Carol stated: “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 in the Parish Centre Alverstoke on the third Tuesday of the month, with each session running from 10am to 12pm with interesting meetings, outings and special events. Readers can see more information on membership or arranging a visit by clicking www.stokesbaywi.co.uk.

PICTURED BY STOKES BAY WI: Carol Tredget stands with her collection of festive boxes for the Rotary Club, which is the end result of summer planning and community togetherness.