Shoebox schoolgirls on a festive mission

Kind-hearted schoolgirls Tilly Clarke and Sienna Brown have embarked on another mission to spread festive cheer by organising their popular Shoebox Appeal for the fourth year running.

HELPING HANDS: Pals Tilly Clarke (left) Sienna Brown with some of the gifts they have collected.

The girls, now aged 11 and attending Hellesdon High School, are filling shoeboxes with goodies and creating smiles for those needing extra support this Christmas.

Gifts are distributed to local refuges and domestic violence charities such as Leeway and Dawn’s New Horizon, as well as some local families.

Tilly’s mum Donna Clarke and Sienna’s mum Lucy Connor said: “Tilly and Sienna are our incredibly kind and generous daughters who, at the age of 11, are now in their fourth year of filling shoeboxes and creating smiles for those who are needing extra support this Christmas.

“Last year, the girls filled an incredible 224 boxes, which is phenomenal. They are aiming to beat that this year!

“This year we were able to start collecting the donations a little bit earlier, thanks to the kind offer of free storage from Viking Storage in Hellesdon. We couldn’t have done this without their generosity. “We have been overwhelmed already by the sheer amount of support and donations from the public. We are immensely proud of the girls and their dedication. Watching their beaming faces when they are sorting the donations is just heartwarming. They really are aware of how important this is to those receiving gifts and they love knowing they are helping others.”

Sienna said she loved doing the Shoebox appeal with Tilly each year, adding: “It has really shown me how fortunate I am to have the things that I have. I enjoy boxing up the donations knowing that somebody will be really happy when they open them at Christmas!”

Tilly continued: “We have been receiving so much support. It’s lovely to see how much people want to help others. So many people are going through a difficult time and they deserve a happy Christmas too. Even one gift will make a huge difference. Donating a gift can really change someone’s life.”

Donations can be taken to the reception at Viking Self Storage, Turnpike Close, Hellesdon (NR6 5BD) from Monday Saturday (9am-5pm). Firside Junior School is also accepting donations from people with a pupil at the school. The last date for donations is Thursday, November 14.

Suggested items include toys and books, small cuddly toys, toiletries, small household decorative items, stationery, small clothing items such as hats, scarves and gloves.

For more information, visit: Facebook.com/shoeboxsquad