Plea for Mandy to be recognised

A local charity has been nominated for a Pride of Britain award.

After putting Boxes of Hope, organised by Mandy Baxter, forward for the prestigious gongs, Sharon Rudd is urging others in the area to suggest it should be up for the prestigious accolade.
The Holbeach-based charity was set up by Mandy not long after the Russian invasion of Ukraine to help refugees and provide vital supplies where needed in Ukraine itself.
Now the director of the charity, she has become a centre point for collections in the country having helped send 23 lorries worth of aid so far.
“Those lorries were full of much needed medical supplies as well as clothes and personal items very much needed for the refugees of the Ukraine war,” said Sharon who volunteers with Boxes of Hope. “The volunteers have sacrificed their time to sort, bag and distribute all the needed supplies.
“This is why I have nominated this charity for the Pride Of Britain awards 2024.
“I’m hoping the area will get behind this charity and please nominate them.
“They massively deserve this award just for everything and for everyone they have helped along the way.
“It’s not just those in Ukraine, they are helping the local people here as well as refugee families that have settled here.
“They are a constant support to them for everything.”
Mandy said: “I’m very humbled that someone would think of taking the time to do this.
“Without the community South Holland Boxes of Hope would not exist. It’s a testament to the community that we’ve been able to support individuals and families both in Ukraine and in our own communities.
“With the ongoing cost of living pressures and all the problems winter brings, Boxes of Hope is becoming more and more of a support for those in need.
“We have carried on sending aid and are about to send lorry number 24.
“Considering this started with putting together some show boxes in my dining room and filling them with needed items, it really is a community miracle.
“We continue to assist all communities across Lincolnshire when they are in need.”
l Boxes of Hope has launched its ‘Cost of a Coffee’ initiative urging people to donate £5 ba month to the cause. For more visit www.boxesofhope.org.uk