Children’s charity Play Action International’s "Play Box Appeal" aims to provide at least 50,000 children arriving in the UK with toys and play items
Yodel Northampton has teamed up with the University of Northampton to support Ukrainian children in the UK. Volunteers from both organisations will be working together to collect, check and distribute shoeboxes full of toys donated by the public.
It is part of the "Play Box Appeal" scheme, set up by award-winning children’s charity Play Action International.
With the UK expected to host up to 200,000 refugees from the conflict, the appeal aims to support at least 50,000 Ukrainian children with the toys and play items they need to begin to recover from what they have suffered through and begin to settle here.
Volunteers from Yodel’s Northampton depot and the University of Northampton will be working together to collect, check and distribute the shoeboxes full of toys donated by the public.
Through its delivery network, the boxes will then be sent to Play Action International’s partner charities and then will be donated to those in need.
Warren Fletcher, SVC Manager at Yodel Northampton, said: “It’s a team effort and a great way of supporting those who need it most during such a difficult time.
"The generosity of everyone sending the shoe boxes means that we can help children from Ukraine that have left their entire world behind and maybe help them to forget the horrible moments they’ve experienced as they open a box and see the most amazing gifts.
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"I’m humbled that myself and the team are able to support the children through the toughest times of their lives. Every child matters and it's the little things that make big difference, so I am thrilled that the Yodel Northampton team have been chosen to help out with such an amazing cause”
The appeal has been created to support trauma-affected children to process their experiences, express their thoughts and feelings and reduce stress through play.
Murielle Maupoint, CEO at Play Action International, added: "Ukraine’s children are going through incredibly traumatic experiences. By supporting them with toys, we hope to give them space to begin to process and recover from the experience.
"We’re excited that Yodel has agreed to support our appeal and with the support of the business’ network we will be able to ensure that children affected by the conflict are comforted by the generosity of people across the UK and know they have not been forgotten.”
To make a shoebox donation, visit Play International’s website where you will be directed to print off a label via Yodel’s website.
Donors will be able to choose any of Yodel’s 6,000 convenient drop off points that are within the Collect+ delivered by Yodel network.
They will then be processed and delivered to Play Action International’s partner organisations, who will distribute donations to those in need.