Mayo schools urged to support Shoebox Appeal

Schools across Mayo are being asked to support children living in poverty around the world by registering for Ireland’s most loved Christmas appeal.

Team Hope, the charity that delivers gifts into the hands of children living in poverty across Africa and Eastern Europe, is calling on children and families in the county to get involved in this year’s Christmas Shoebox Appeal.

As it marks the 15th year of the Christmas Shoebox Appeal, Team Hope is asking schools and employers – as well as individuals and community organisations – across the county to get involved by logging on to teamhope.ie.

Since 2010, Team Hope has delivered over 2.8 million shoebox gifts and this year expects to surpass the three million mark.

Often these gift-packed shoeboxes are the only festive presents children living in poverty in countries in Africa and Eastern Europe receive.

“A simple shoebox, often packed by children for children, carries not only toys and treats, but also the invisible gifts of love and hope,” said Team Hope CEO Deborah Lowry.

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

“In a world where headlines often highlight what is broken, the Christmas Shoebox Appeal stands as a powerful demonstration that the world is also filled with kindness.”

Ms. Lowry used the example of a father of three who received the gift of a Christmas shoebox as a child and who now makes shoeboxes for other children with his own family as a great example of the gift of giving.

Adas Rakauskas (37) never forgot the present he received as an eight-year-old as his family struggled to keep their heads above water. Every year the Co. Louth-based dad makes these ‘transformative’ gifts for other children.

Originally from Lithuania, Adas is urging people across Mayo and throughout Ireland to join Team Hope’s annual Christmas Shoebox Appeal by sending life-changing gifts to children affected by poverty around the world.

“We didn’t have much food – or good food,” said Adas. “Medically, we were all malnourished as children. I remember sitting at the table as a child for a meal and there was just bread or some carrots.

“At times we relied on neighbours to drop something in, so we were struggling, and it was tough on my parents from a financial perspective.”

Recalling the moment he was handed the gift as a child, he said: “I remember all of us gathered in the village and there was a play. At the end, the shoeboxes were given to the children. We were very excited.

“I think there were pens and pencils and some stationery in the box. What struck me most was that someone had put this together.”

Now living in Drogheda with his wife Tracey and their children Elias, Izabella and Mikayla, Adas’s family box up the magic of Christmas by making shoeboxes for other children living in poverty.

To get involved, like Adas and his family, see www.teamhope.ie.