Refugees inspire new town shop

A new shop and space to help less fortunate families is to open in Holbeach.

Mandy Baxter has conceived the idea after trying to equip hundreds of Ukrainian refugees in recent months as part of her Boxes of Hope charity.

But as well as those and the 20 lorry loads of aid she’s shipped to help the war effort in that country, she’s also been asked for help from families in South Holland.

Mandy, who will next week be presented with a High Sherriff’s Award for her work for the charity, is set to open Boxes of Hope Community Shop in the former Lloyds/TSB building in Holbeach.

“We’re trying to have to rehome Ukrainian families and it’s really difficult,” she said. “They’ve left virtually everything in their own country so we’ve been doing what we can.

“But then you also realise there’s a need for this in our community.

“It’s about getting vital items to those that need it most.

“It will hopefully have a cafe area and a play area for any children.

“It will also provide an easier drop-off point for donations.”

The move comes as the charity is having to move out of the premises it’s been gifted for more than a year at the Anglia Motel in Fleet.

Mandy is also calling for more donations after last week her 20th lorry of aid headed to Ukraine.

This one was paid for by a priest in the country whose village has been cut off by the Russian invasion of the country and who requested cots and push chairs.

Boxes of Hope is particularly in desperate need for t-shirts, jogging bottoms, socks and underwear that are intended for those at the Ukrainian front line.

“It’s been really hectic after two weeks of waiting for the lorry to arrive from the border, but we’ve finally sent it on its way,” she said. “The support for Ukraine so far is amazing but we really need more.”