A NORTH-EAST charity is gearing up to deliver truckloads of Christmas cheer to orphans in some of the world’s poorest countries, just days after returning from another mercy mission.
The New Hope Trust, based at Peterhead, is gathering hundreds of shoe boxes filled with toys, books and clothes in preparation for driving them 3,000 miles to Romania and Moldova over the festive season.
An articulated lorry loaded with boxes donated by families, schools and organisations throughout Scotland, will be making the annual trip in the coming weeks.
The charity has been operating for about 20 years after its founder, Simon Cameron, decided to do something to help eastern Europeans after the collapse of the communist regime in 1989.
About 10,000 boxes are delivered to underprivileged youngsters each year.
Last week, the trust organised the delivery of a lorry-full of essential toiletries to orphanages in Moldova.
A total of 4,000 toothbrushes, 4,000 tubes of toothpaste, 4,000 bottles of shampoo, 4,000 bars of soap and 1,500 face cloths were taken out.
It is the only way the children have access to proper hygiene products.
New clothes, shoes and mattresses were also transported.
Trust manger Mark Morgan said: “These deliveries make a real difference to the children.
“Some of them were walking about in shoes without soles. Some are sleeping on mattresses that are so infected they are badly bitten by bugs every night.”
He added: “Without these donations, they would not be able to keep clean. We have to keep making these deliveries every four months.”
As well as aid appeals, the trust is working on building its fourth safe house, called Stella’s House, and it could be open by next year.
The safe houses provide accommodation for youngsters who are put out of orphanages after they turn 16.
Each building costs about £160,000 to buy and £200,000 to renovate.
The deadline for Christmas boxes is November 27. For more details call 0845 230 4673 or e-mail info@ newhopetrust.org