Christmas may feel a little different this year, but crews at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service are determined to spread Christmas cheer to all by sharing gifts through a shoebox appeal.
Oakham, Melton and Uppingham fire stations have come together to launch a Christmas shoebox appeal, and are asking residents to tap into their inner Christmas elves to help make and deliver presents. The shoeboxes, which will be full of goodies, will then be distributed to less fortunate people in the community who may otherwise go without.
Members of the public can also nominate someone to receive a Christmas shoebox, or request one themselves.
Adam Johnson, Crew Manager at Oakham station, came up with the initiative. He said: “Christmas can be an isolating time, and this festive period is set to be even more challenging for the people living in our community. That’s why we’re determined to spread Christmas joy to all.
“We have already seen such an incredible display of community spirit as residents rallied together to support vulnerable members of society during the pandemic, and I hope that they’ll show that same support through the supporting our Christmas shoebox appeal.”
It’s easy to get involved – just find an empty shoebox, wrap it in Christmas paper, fill it with gifts and drop it off at one of the locations between 3 and 14 December. The drop offs will all be COVID secure and in line with Government guidelines.
The stations are asking for shoeboxes for all age groups – ranging from children to the elderly. Gifts could include items such as toys, arts and craft supplies and hygiene items for children, to books, food, drinks and clothing for adults. Gift givers are also encouraged to write a Christmas card to add a personal touch.
You can leave gifts at any of these contact-free drop off points:
- Oakham Fire Station, South Street, Oakham LE15 6BQ
- Melton Fire Station, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray LE13 0NP
- Finnemore Stonemasons, The White House, Glaston Road, Uppingham LE15 9EU
To request a gift for yourself, nominate someone to receive a shoebox or if you’d like to make your own, then please email shoeboxappeal2020@leics-fire.gov.uk or get in touch on 01162 105331.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Interviews can be arranged through prior arrangement with Corporate Communications on the details below.
About the Service
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service provides emergency response, prevention and protection services from 20 stations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Its headquarters is based in Birstall, Leicester.
During 2018/19, the Service attended 762 road traffic collisions, of which 125 were extrications from vehicles, in addition to 2,569 fires. We carried out 6,746 home safety checks and fitted 4,790 smoke alarms. 279 schools were visited as part of the Service’s schools programme, delivering fire and road safety education to pupils. Staff organised or took part in 1,068 community safety events, promoting fire and road safety and arson prevention, and 134 Virtual Fatal Four (VF4) events as part of the Service’s young drivers’ road safety project.
The Service’s prevention, education, enforcement and inspection programmes have resulted in significant reductions in the number of incidents. In the last ten years, fire-related incidents have reduced by over 30 percent.
Contact:
Corporate Communications
Direct: 0116 210 5768
