Ramelton woman Myrtle Doherty is hoping to break records for the amount of nappies and goods she can gather for children in need this 2018.
The eighth year of Myrtle Doherty’s Belarus appeal has just begun, with more big plans to deliver generosity and love from Donegal to Vesnova.
Between now and January 31st, Ms Doherty and her husband Alan will be collecting nappies, children’s clothes, toiletries and vital medications to improve the lives of children in orphanages and homes.
A lorry of donations from Donegal in 2017
It takes a huge community effort to gather the goods and load the lorry that is driven to the Vesnova children’s orphanage in Belarus.
These vital donations are used to care for almost 200 children with intellectual and physical disabilities. The asylum has been transformed by Irish charity Chernobyl Children International to provide a caring home for many children.
Vesnova Orphanage – Image via Chernobyl Children International
Donegal people are being asked to donate what they can and contact Myrtle to arrange delivery/collection:
Myrtle said: “We are taking clothes (adults & children’s), washed and wearable and in good condition, shoes (in good condition) bedding/blankets/towels, nappies (adults and childrens), wipes, toiletries (soap/shampoos/bubble baths), nappy creams and the usual calpol/nurofen, etc.
“Toys: We can only take soft toys/teddy bears and jigsaws, colouring books and crayons/markers, we cannot take hard toys, battery operated toys or books.
“We can take wheelchairs, walking aids and crutches. We cannot take any prams/car seats/walkers/baths/changing units/etc as we have problems getting them through customs.
“We also accept financial donations which we use to buy nappies. Last year we sent 64,000 nappies and several thousand bags of clothes and shoes and toys and dozens of boxes of toiletries/wipes and medicines.”
Nappy donations in 2017
Myrtle added “We would welcome support from any local businesses that would like to help out also.
“If anyone would like to donate to this appeal or for more information contact me on 0876825387. We really appreciate all the help we can get. Closing date for donations is 31st January. Thank you.”
View this video from Christmas at Vesnova 2017:
Discover the story of how Myrtle began the community drive here in an interview with DonegalWoman.ie in 2017:
You Might Also Like
