A South Holland charity which has grown from a woman’s kitchen to an international organisation in a matter of months, is on the lookout for storage help.
Boxes of Hope was first started by Mandy Baxter creating aid-filled shoeboxes for Ukrainian refugees fleeing the invasion by Russia last year.
The charity is about to send its 24th lorry-load of aid to the country, has helped refugees that have come to the UK and, also receives a host of referrals from people in need domestically.
Mandy became one of the key distributors for aid in the UK, and was thankful to Harold Payne who was able to offer a warehouse he owns at the Anglia Motel, Fleet Hargate.
Boxes of Hope has now taken over the old HSBC bank in Holbeach High Street which it’s turning into a community hub. Its shop across the road called The Community Miracle, is only open by appointment for those that need aid to look around.
Neither premises is able to match the huge warehouse for space, so Mandy is appealing for anyone who may be able to offer storage for the charity to get in touch.
“We’d love to hear from anyone who has a spare place we could put the donations we have,” said Mandy.
“We’ve been amazed with the response from individuals, groups and businesses. Harold was brilliant for us. We were only meant to be there for a few months and it escalated from there.
“We wouldn’t have achieved anything without that, and Harold so we can’t thank him enough.
“He needed the space back, so now we’re looking for somewhere else.”
Work is continuing on the hubs on Holbeach High Street.
Mandy says the charity is getting referrals from many agencies, including social services, Women’s Aid and the various schools with a uniform bank having been set up.
Just last week 10 families were referred.
“The idea behind the community hub is for an ethos on up-cycling,” Mandy said. “There’s very little that can’t be used.
“What we’d like to do is, say you have a shirt which you might otherwise throw out because a button has come off.
“We’d like people to bring them here and there’ll be the opportunity to learn how to repair them, and other craft skills that are being lost.
“We’re looking to host free sessions on Christmas decorations, knitting, how to manage money, that kind of thing.
“It’s something we’re working on with Steadfast Training.
“There are so many in need and many don’t know there’s support out there for them, so we’d like to signpost that too.
“For example, there was one elderly man who is basically a carer for his wife and had no idea there was financial help available to him.
“We’ve been able to point him in the right direction.”
Refugees are also continuing to arrive from Ukraine with Mandy saying 1,800 are currently in Lincolnshire.
“It’s getting worse,” Many said. “We’re regularly getting people through who have nothing.
“Most of those who came over are working to live by themselves, but there’s still a need for sponsors to house some and we’re working with them too.
“We’re doing everything we can for those that need it.
“There’s so many struggling.”
Boxes of Hope is still completely run by volunteers.
The charity puts on fundraising events and the latest appeal is for people to donate the cost of a coffee (or £5) every month.
For more information and to contact Mandy and the charity, visit https://boxesofhope.co.uk/
