G I F T S on the radio!

Steve Shurville, OCC volunteer, was up bright and early on Thursday 3rd November as he was a guest on Nick Wallis' breakfast show on Radio Surrey. Steve had a 5 minute slot to talk about filling a shoebox for OCC.  He used the mnemonic GIFTS to help people remember what is suitable for well balanced box.
That's G for a gift or toy,  I for insulation (hat etc), F for a furry friend, T for toiletries and S for stationery.

Steve mentioned that some people like to do their own shoeboxes completely, whereas others might club together to provide the contents and then have a joint packing session. Either way results in wonderfully filled boxes that can then go on the next step of the journey.

Shoezone and Stead & Simpson were mentioned as ideal places to pick up an empty box and leaflet and also to drop off the filled box. Other drop off points are also available and can be found through the search facility on the OCC website.

Eleanor, Nick and Steve outside Radio Surrey

Let's hope lots of people heard Steve and will be inspired to pack a shoebox this year.

If you'd like to hear Steve's interview then follow the link and scroll through to 2 hours 53 mins. (available until Thurs 10th Nov)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00l47pl/Surrey_Breakfast_with_Nick_Wallis_03_11_2011/

P,P,P Pick up a puppet!

Puppets, pencil cases, hats and bags were all on display at Cedar Court Care Home, Cranleigh last week, as the members of the Needles and Pins Group gathered to see the results of their year's work.

Puppets a plenty in the Jasmine Lounge

The group meets approximately twice a month for an afternoon of knitting, pom-pom making and general chat!   It's the group's second year of knitting for OCC and there's something for everyone to do. Some make the puppets and hats, whilst others knit squares that are turned into bags and pencil cases and those who prefer not to knit generally enjoy making pom-poms.

Annie and Violet with some of their creations

Gill Watson, Needles and Pins organiser said "It's amazing how much has been produced throughout the year. Everyone should be really proud of their efforts". But the fun isn't quite over for this year as Michael Gains, Activities Co-ordinator at Cedar Court will be organising a trip for the group to the warehouse during the campaign. So watch out - you may see these happy smiling faces again!

All brushed up to support OCC!

Fur was being brushed and paws cleaned at The Bear Garden in Guildford on Friday 28th October as OCC volunteers arrived to receive this year's mascot.  One fortunate bear was going to be donated by The Bear Garden and will accompany the delivery of shoeboxes to Kyrgyzstan. Once there he will be presented to one of the orphanages or children's homes where he'll spend many happy days with children who will no doubt love him.

Andrew Colborne-Baber, owner of The Bear Garden, kindly donated a gorgeously soft brown bear and Anne Milton, Conservative MP for Guildford, was on hand to present the lucky bear to Maureen Grew for OCC.

Maureen, Anne, Teddy and Andrew

The bear will be named by the volunteers at the warehouse and money will be raised to help him with his travel costs to Kyrgzstan!

Both Andrew and Anne were very happy to support OCC. Andrew and his team will also be donating other toys and it may be possible, that despite a very busy schedule, Anne can visit us at the warehouse. We do hope so!

Bears and Friends support OCC