Huge Tyrone effort helps shoebox drive break three million barrier

LOCALS in Tyrone are being urged to support a final push to create Christmas shoebox gifts for children affected by poverty in Africa and Eastern Europe.

Team Hope, which has organised the heartwarming festive initiative since 2010, revealed on Monday that the three-millionth shoebox donated by people in Northern Ireland and the Republic has now been packed up.

And part of that success story has been down to the generosity of locals in Tyrone.

Led by Castlederg-based Deborah Lowry, Team Hope aims to increase that total even further – with drop-off points open around the county until November 15.

“The support we have received from the people of Tyrone since 2010 has been incredible,” she said.

“But there’s always a need for more shoeboxes so it would be great if schools, parents, businesses and community groups across the county can come together for one more collective effort to create their own.

“They are often packed by children for children and carry not only toys and treats but also the invisible gifts of love and hope.

“That kindness, travelling across oceans, reminds a child that they are not forgotten – that someone, somewhere cares about them.”

Across Northern Ireland alone, the total number of shoeboxes generated over the last three years stands at 9,280.

Surpassing the magical 3million shoebox mark ties in with the charity’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 Tyrone is urged to continue the effort - filled shoeboxes can be dropped off until November 15 at: Drop Inn Charity Shops in Cookstown, Dungannon, Fivemiletown, Omagh and Aughnacloy, and also at Hamilton’s Spar in Newtownstewart, C&H Burns in Cookstown, White’s Toymaster in Omagh, and with local volunteers, Mandy Chism and Katrina O’Neill.

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