The Link Romania Shoebox appeal, featured in the last issue of HOPE unlimited, received an overwhelming response from the
communities of Grove and Wantage. Old Mill Hall was buzzing as people brought in vast quantites of empty shoeboxes, along with huge quanes of toothpaste, soap, pens, pencils and more, all to be packed into the empty shoeboxes.

During the dedication service Diana Arustei shared with us the joy and excitement she experienced when opening a shoebox as a young girl in Romania, but perhaps the most poignant moment of all was watching the film of the delivery of the boxes last year.
Following a break for refreshments we had a most enjoyable time as upwards of 100 adults and children leapt into action and hundreds of shoeboxes were filled and wrapped ready to be shipped off to destitute families in Romania and other Eastern European countries in time for Christmas.
We want to thank all of you who played a part in this glorious outpouring of generosity and love. As a result, this Christmas, for many families living in abject
poverty, the gift of these shoeboxes, packed with necessities and other items, will bring some light into their hard and austere lives, plus lots of joy and smiles.
You will be pleased to know that on the day 324 shoe boxes were filled and wrapped. The final total collected on 8th November and taken to Link Romania warehouse for distribution to disadvantaged families in Romania, Moldova and other countries in Eastern Europe was 860. Thank you.