The Culduthel Christian Centre in Inverness was transformed into a sorting office for packing nearly 12,000 shoeboxes in just four days.
The extraordinary effort is the work of the centre along with Blythswood Care to sort and pack gifts for people living in poverty-stricken countries.
These include Kosovo, Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine, which has been left devastated following the Russian invasion.
Children and families don’t even have homes in some places in Ukraine let alone toys and basic essentials, which is why the shoebox appeal is important.
Danny Muschate, fundraising manager for Blythswood Care, said they had around 60 volunteers helping from Monday to Thursday last week, sorting through donations.
Following a massive push by all involved, two large lorries were filled with thousands of shoeboxes destined for Eastern Europe.
By the end, organisers were able to send a laden-down lorry with 6,907 boxes to Bulgaria on November 23.
A further lorry will be leaving on Monday, November 28, with 5,000 boxes to Albania in time for Christmas.
Several community organisations have gotten involved, including schools Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis, Holm Primary and Inverness Royal Academy.
Local businesses have been donating sweets, toys and clothing, which will put a smile on a young child’s face.
‘Working in partnership with the local community’
These include Lifescan, Ernst & Young, Social Security Scotland, Brodies, Morrison Construction and the Inverness Chamber of Commerce.
Mr Muschate said: “Every box makes a difference. For kids, they get excited about the smallest things even like coloured pencils and a notebook to take to school
“Just having new things is amazing to people and I’ve had people over the years say they just can’t wait because some people get them each year whose circumstances never change in the environment they are living in.
Mr Muschate says that even though the country is in a cost-of-living crisis, organisers are still seeing “incredible generosity” through donations given to the shoebox appeal.
While he says it “hits home harder” for people to see poverty and deprivation in Europe, especially by people affected by war.
He recalls the atmosphere over the four days as volunteers prepared, checked and sorted packages.
“It was amazing, the buzz of having some many people give up their time, businesses giving people the day to come and help out with this incredibly important scheme. It has been phenomenal.
Pastor Alasdair Macleod added: “CCC are delighted that our centre is used for shoeboxes sorting each year.
“The church loves working in partnership with the local community – schools, local businesses and other organisations to share the love with those in need.
“All ages take part from the youngest to the oldest and enjoy giving their time to this.”
Conversation