ROMANI children in Hungary will be receiving gifts this Christmas thanks to the work of the Prees Baptist Church.

The initiative involves the creation of thousands of shoebox parcels, filled with gifts and essential items, to be opened by some of Europe’s poorest children.

The project is part of the charity Blythswood Care Annual Shoebox Appeal, with Prees Baptist Church in charge of this region.

Steve Goodwin, from the church, says the project is a ‘win-win’ for all involved.

“Each year the boxes go out to eastern and central Europe, this year it is Hungary,” said Steve. “These are going to Romani children, who are the poorest of the poor.

“It’s a mad region to get the shoeboxes in, we’ve borrowed Cloverley Hall as we need the space and were loading the trucks there.

“It’s a really busy project, these shoboxes are basically the only things these kids will get.

“But we also do boxes for older people and vulnerable adults.

“By the time the truck leaves we will have done 5,500 boxes.

“Because numbers are down because of Covid we’re also filling the back of the truck with aid.

“We’ve had volunteers working for three weeks sorting the boxes, the boxes come in from far and wide and there is a lot of work.

“It’s a project that everyone can take part in.

“It’s one of those projects that is a win-win as there’s a lot of people over here that help out and of course the people in Hungary.”