Sheffield pensioner creates over 500 gift-filled shoeboxes for disadvantaged children in Albania this Christmas

A kind-hearted pensioner from Sheffield has packed over 500 shoeboxes with donated presents to bring some festive cheer to disadvantaged children in Albania this Christmas.
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Ann Birks, aged 70, from Gleadless, first became involved with the AlbaniAid shoebox appeal in 2019 when she was introduced to the organisation’s founder, David Stevenson.

The pensioner had been contributing her time to the Samaritan’s Purse appeal for 15 years prior but was unable to continue this after the charity moved its Sheffield base.

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She says it is a year-long effort to source items for the AlbaniAid shoeboxes, something she fits around her other charitable work.

Sheffield woman Ann Birks has been busy creating over 500 christmas shoeboxes for children in AlbaniaSheffield woman Ann Birks has been busy creating over 500 christmas shoeboxes for children in Albania
Sheffield woman Ann Birks has been busy creating over 500 christmas shoeboxes for children in Albania
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Ann said: “At the moment we’re on 530-something boxes. They’re everywhere, upstairs and in the garage. David them comes a couple of times a week to take them away so I can have more room.

“I also help with the homeless and they do shoeboxes too and I am part of the Wednesday night soup kitchen. That used to be on a Wednesday evening but since Covid they just do packed lunches to hostels. On Monday I do the sandwiches and on Friday deliver them.

"Given that I’ve taken on all the Albania shoeboxes this year I’ve just donated to the homeless ones, although in previous years I would have helped make them too.”

Ann Birks has taken over the shoebox operation for AlbaniAid this yearAnn Birks has taken over the shoebox operation for AlbaniAid this year
Ann Birks has taken over the shoebox operation for AlbaniAid this year
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AlbaniAid regularly distributes items to families and individuals in Albania – not just shoeboxes but clothes, furniture and even washing machines too.

Ann says she visited the country last year to see the organsation’s work first hand, something which spurred her on even further to help.

She has devoted countless hours to making and wrapping the boxes this year, with each one containing toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and flannels.

In addition to their essential toiletries, children also receive other items such as toys, books, and activities – all which are bought from charity shops or donated by local groups.

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Ann added: "Last Christmas there was a big earthquake in Albania and there are about 5,000 families that lost their homes and they’re living in tents.

"The families have lost everything so this year, something like a shoebox will be nice for the kids given everything they’ve gone through.”

The boxes are due to ship on December 12. For more information or to donate visit AlbaniaAid on Facebook.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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