Callander residents are being urged to donate Christmas presents, as well as essential items to be delivered to Ukrainians living in Slovakia as they flee the Russian invasion
A number of donations drives have previously been held in the town, with all supplies generated being shipped to eastern Slovakia, where the local council in Spisska Nova Ves have been taking the goods over the border to the Ukrainian town of Tyachiv.
Now, another donation drive has been launched, with a Christmas Santa Run being organised to support the push.
The Callander collections have been organised by local couple, Richard and Mary Johnson. They have previously hired a Slovakian courier to transport the goods across Europe.
Mr Johnson this week said that his contact in Slovakia sent a message once again pleading for support.
The contact said: “The situation has been stabilized, there are still Ukrainian families that decided to stay in our town. They are adapting, some of them work or look for a job, kids go to schools and nurseries.
“I asked our colleague from the Social Department who is in charge and she said they mostly need things for school, like school bags, pen cases and of course toiletries, detergents (like washing powder, etc) and groceries.
“If you are willing and able to send Christmas presents for these families, we will definitely help and distribute the presents on your behalf.”
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Mr and Mrs Johnson have once again decided to appeal to generous townsfolk seeking help.
A series of collections for the much needed appeal have now been arranged, with Mr Johnson requesting lightweight items for transport, and explaining that clothes are not needed at this time.
The collection point will again be at the MNV offices, next to the petrol station on Stirling Road, Callander. Collection dates/times are – October 31 to November 4, from 9am to 12pm; November 7-11, from 9am to 12pm; November 14-18, from 9am to 12pm; and November 20, from noon to 3pm.
Items needed include – school bags; pens and pencils and pencil cases; school books; toiletries; detergents; food, including pasta, packet soups, biscuits etc; children’s Christmas presents, including toys, soft toys, games, hats, scarves, gloves etc.
There will also be an online system for making donations.
