Ramelton woman Myrtle Doherty has renewed the appeal for donated items to send to an orphanage for disabled children in Belarus.

The Vesnova children’s orphanage in Belarus cares for almost 200 children with intellectual and physical disabilities. Every year, Ms Doherty collects nappies, children’s clothes, toiletries and vital medications to improve the lives of these children.

Ms Doherty and the community are aiming to fill two 40ft lorries by the end of January, which will be driven directly to Belarus by drivers with the Chernobyl Kilkenny Outreach Group.

They are appealing to local businesses to make donations or sponsorships of nappies to be sent to Vesnova. There is a Super Saver event running in Lidl stores this weekend, with packets of nappies on sale for less than €3. This is an excellent opportunity to multiply donations with the money saved.

LIDL Super Weekend Savers from Sat 21st- Sun 22nd Jan

There has been a slight change in what the group can collect this year. All donations must be made by the end of January. Donated items are stored in Ramelton before a huge community effort takes place to load up the lorries.

The group are appealing for nappies, clothes (adults & children’s), washed and wearable and in good condition, shoes (in good condition) bedding/blankets/towels, nappies (adults and childrens), wipes, toiletries (soap/shampoos/bubble baths), nappy creams and the usual calpol/nurofen, etc.

“We can only take soft toys/teddy bears, no hard toys or books. We cannot take any prams/car seats/walkers/baths/changing units/etc as we have problems getting them through customs.

“We also accept financial donations which we use to buy nappies. If you would like to donate to this appeal give me a call on 0876825387,” said organiser Myrtle Doherty.

Click here to read Myrtle’s Story – How Myrtle Brings Hope to Belarus on DonegalWoman.ie.