Firefighters launch Christmas shoebox appeal

The fire stations at Melton and Oakham have already received dozens of shoeboxes laden with Christmas goodies from residents who want to support others.

They would welcome further contributions, and nominations of worthy beneficiaries, up to Monday and crews hope then to deliver the gifts to recipients on their fire engines.

Kate Garrigan, manager of the Melton day crew at the Nottingham Road fire station, told the Melton Times: “We are asking for shoeboxes filled with Christmas treats.

“They can include small gifts, chocolates, small toys and books and that kind of thing.

“We are looking to give them to local people who have gone above and beyond this year to help others and who deserve a present and also families in need of support.”

There have already been 15 shoeboxes delivered to both Melton and Oakham fire stations in the first few days of the scheme running.

People in Uppingham can also donate a shoebox to their town fire brigade’s appeal by leaving them at the Finnemore Stonemasons business on Glaston Road.

Kate added: “We wanted to do something to help people after the terrible year we have all had and with us not being able to get out on our usual community initiatives because of the pandemic.

“This is what we came up and we will of course offer fire safety advice to those people we deliver the shoeboxes to.”

Email [email protected] to nominate an individual or a family deserving of a shoebox or leave a filled shoebox at Melton or Oakham Fire Stations no later than December 14.