Letter: A message from the chief elf about the shoebox appeal

In addition, we were giving away shoe boxes to be filled for kids to be sent to Ukraine, Poland, Montenegro and Romania, where they will be their only presents at Christmas.

We gave away many boxes, but three young people came along, listened and then said they would like a box. We gave them the box and a guide of what needed to go in it.

To my surprise, they came back, within half an hour, with the shoe box filled. They had bought the items with their own money, filled the box and returned it to us. They even bought me my very own elf’s hat and wished me Happy Christmas.

I am writing to say what a brilliant group of kids. It was so encouraging that they listened and then went off and filled a box, and brought it back immediately, for a child they don’t know and will never meet, in a country they have probably never heard of and will never visit.

On behalf of The Rotary Club of Andover and myself in particular, can I thank that wonderful group of children, who showed such kindness, and went out of their way to fill the box and return it. I am also proud to now be Chief Elf!

I am sure they will know who they are and if they come into town and see me there, probably with Father Xmas on December 23, please come over so I can say a massive thank you in person.

As they say on TV’s ‘Strictly’, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Chris Lynn

Winchester Road

Andover 

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