Five hundred parcels containing presents from Perthshire sent to Ukraine

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Five hundred parcels containing presents from Perthshire have been sent to Ukraine to spread Christmas joy to children in hospitals and those living near the frontline.The ‘angels’ of Tayside and Strathearn Help for Ukraine (TASH4Ukraine) have worked double time to fulfil a four-tonne Christmas wish list which was made up of 500 present bags, 50 present boxes and multiple extra boxes of presents, soft toys, stationery, sweeties and chocolate.The 39th and 40th lorries to head from the local base to the war-torn country, both “filled to the rafters” with donations, departed Errol Airfield in time to cross into Ukraine for Christmas Day.No space was wasted with mattresses and medical supplies also bulking out the load.Project Winter has also seen warm clothing, sleeping bags and torches collected.Reflective clothing for kids is a must for cities without electric light.And the Christmas present bags each contained practical items like a hat, gloves, cosy socks, wind-up torch, as well as sweets and a cuddly toy.“We did it!” exclaimed coordinator Deborah Ovens when the 39th lorry of aid was strapped and ready to drive out from TASH4Ukraine’s HQ in Perthshire.She was hugely grateful that her team had “maxed out”, doing extra hours to ensure a token of Christmas came to Ukraine.“Four full pallets of Christmas joy is on its way to Ukraine,” she said. “We have 250 of the present bags going to those children in Ukrainian hospitals.“All the rest are going to those children in the east of the country, to those areas that have just been liberated, to those living on or near the front line.“Many of these children have been left with nothing.“We hope that this little sprinkle of Christmas love will lift their spirits and give them a hug