The Rushcliffe-based appeal to help vulnerable people across the county had another successful year.
Each year, a handful of volunteers come together and reach out to people far and wide, seeking donations. Local schools, both primary and secondary, and several local businesses have helped year after year, providing many wrapped boxes filled with gifts or donations.
These gifts will be going to homeless people, young carers, care leavers, children on free school meals, survivors of domestic violence, and teenagers in need, among many others.
Organiser Hetvi Parekh said:
‘What an incredible journey this year!
‘The wind and rain couldn’t stop us—together, we packed 960 shoeboxes for the annual appeal!
‘This year, in addition to the 960 boxes, we also distributed 90 boxes and many gifts to Care4Calais.
Other incredible organisations we supported include:
• POW Nottingham
• Nottingham City Homes Registered Provider Limited
• YMCA Robin Hood Group
• Broxtowe Women’s Project Ltd
• Sfice Foundation Social Café
• Broxtowe Youth Homelessness
• Ideea Rom
• The Vine Community Centre
• Chayah Development Project
‘Surplus chocolates and hot chocolates were donated to Rushcliffe Foodbank (a project of Sewa Day Nottingham).
‘The effort begins in October and runs until December, requiring over two months of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. This year, with no storage space, donations and boxes filled our homes and garages—but we kept going because we knew the smiles were worth it.
‘We are truly overwhelmed by the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and the entire community that made this possible.
‘Thank you to all the volunteers, donors, and supporters for helping us turn love and kindness into action—this couldn’t have happened without you all.’
