The generosity of South Holland residents, even in tough times, has seen a charity helping Ukraine go from strength-to-strength.
Boxes of Hope started in March when the crisis first unfolded and has sent more than 150-tonnes of crucial aid directly to Ukraine since then.
The charity has also helped people in the South Holland community, and is now almost ready to open a shop in Holbeach to act as a focal point.
As we head into winter, the crisis in Ukraine is set to get much worse, said Mandy Baxter, the charity’s director.
“It was bad in March, but Kyiv and Lviv are being hit really hard now. Putin is trying to starve and freeze the people into submission and our help is needed more than ever,” she said.
“People in South Holland have been amazing from the very start, and it restores your faith in humanity.
We have another lorry going out this week packed with 18-tonnes of aid.”
The community in South Lincolnshire has rallied from day one and donations of everything from nappies to dog food have continued to arrive.
Non-perishable food is now a crucial part of emergency supplies the lorries take across, as the normal supply lines have been badly hit.
“We need tinned food, toiletries, personal hygiene items and first aid boxes. Every donation makes a difference. And it’s not just Ukraine, we have been able to help people in this area who have really needed it.”
The charity has been so well supported and South Holland residents so generous that Mandy said there were another four, 18-tonne loads ready to take to the road.
The charity has also been helping animal shelters and a zoo as food and other supplies run low.
The charity has also recently helped local homeless people and is working with the charity Mind to offer the Good Mood Cafe every Thursday in the Holbeach Hub from 10am to noon. Call 0300 3034363 for more details.
Boxes of Hope is also taking on a three-storey shop in Holbeach so people can be referred for help, donations made and collected and as a centre for information.
The shop, on Fleet Street, is adjacent to the Chosen store.
“We are all facing a really difficult winter and all being affected by rising costs, but still people are helping,” said Mandy.
Local companies are being encouraged to sponsor Boxes of Hope to help with the costs of the charity.
There are a variety of packages for companies to choose from and more details can be found on the charity’s Facebook page or on www.boxesofhope.co.uk
