UNDER-PRIVILEDGED families in one of the world's poorest countries enjoy a sprinkle of festive cheer thanks to kind-hearted staff and students at North Lindsey College.

Maurice Lacroix Replica

Despite difficult economic times generous members of the Scunthorpe college set a record target for the Link Romania Family Shoe Box Appeal 2009.

Last year the institute sent 60 shoe boxes filled with essential items and treats for families including toys, soaps, gloves, scarves, toiletries and games.

This year the appeal gained overwhelming support and a record 147 boxes of treats were collected.

Alexandra Leeman, learning resources supervisor at North Lindsey College spearheaded the campaign.

She said: "The 2009 Link Romania Shoe Box Appeal was well received by North Lindsey College, attracting support from both staff and learners. A total of 147 boxes were collected for under- privileged families in Romania and Moldova, which is currently the poorest country in Europe.

"The total collected this year far surpassed the 60 collected Hermes Fake Handbags for the 2008 appeal which is fantastic," she said.

"The shoeboxes will now get sorted and loaded into lorries at the Link Romania headquarters in Worthing in Sussex, before leaving for Eastern Europe."

Beauty therapy student Sarah Bankhead, 17, donated lots of shampoo, conditioner and other toiletries.

"The whole class collected lots of toiletries such as shampoo, shower gel and conditioner.

"We also included some fun toys for children like bouncy balls and things."

Fellow student Genna Simmons, 16, said: "We all collected the items and then wrapped the boxes in nice paper.

"It feels really nice knowing that on Christmas Day families hundreds of miles away will be opening them.

"It is really important to help people who are less fortunate than yourself, especially at Christmas."

Alex had an abundance of unexpected help from Scunthorpe Telegraph readers thanks to an appeal printed earlier this year.

embroidered patches Gill Hewby and seven other members of the Knitting Natter group read the article and decided to help.

The women worked hard to knit enough to fill four bin liners which were brimming with hats, mittens and scarves.

Another 26 shoeboxes were also gratefully received from Georgina Parker and the ladies of the Keelby Women's Institute.

Deichmann Shoes in Scunthorpe also kindly donated empty shoe boxes for Alexandra's project.

Link Romania started in 1991 as a direct result of the humanitarian crises that occurred there with the fall of communism.

The charity helps out with poverty, sickness and education for the poor and disadvantaged.

Alex visited Romania two years ago and spent five weeks there helping out in hospitals, hostels and orphanages.

Alex is a support worker for the charity and also supports two children in Romania aged 12 and 17 who were taken in by an orphanage when they were found alone on the streets.

Anyone wishing to be involved in next year's appeal, or wishing to find out more about
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