Charity collects gift bags for Syrian children

A REFUGEE charity in Frome has started collecting gift bags to ship to children fleeing war in Syria.

Refugee Action in Somerset East (RAISE) has started the ‘Somerset Smiles’ scheme, which collects gift bags similar to Christmas shoeboxes and will send them to Syrian children who may be living in refugee camps, on the streets, or in squats.

RAISE’s Christine Kaltoft said, “We’re welcoming local community groups and individuals to take part.

“Somerset Smiles is like the shoebox idea but gift bags are smaller and more affordable, and as we already have transport in place, we’re not asking for financial contributions towards transport either.

“Although this isn’t about Christmas as the children receiving the gifts will mostly be Muslim, we’re tying it in with this time of year to encourage people to think about giving, not just receiving.”

The gift bags can be dropped off at PostScript in Stony Street from 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.

The idea was piloted by a Brownie group in Paulton and is now spreading across Somerset.

People are encouraged to fill medium-sized resealable freezer bags with gifts such as toiletries, clothes, toys, stationery, and some foods.

To find out what can and can’t be included, and to download a form which must be included with donations, go to PostScript in Frome or online to www.raise.today

A special public meeting on local efforts to help refugees will be held at Trinity Church in Frome on Tuesday 29th November from 7.30pm. All are welcome.