JOY and smiles at Christmas were plentiful in Ukraine as thousands of shoeboxes brimming with gifts were distributed to the needy and vulnerable.
In sub-zero temperatures, Rotary shoeboxes were given to poor families, the elderly and infirm, orphanages, schools and other institutions, bringing delight to those who otherwise may not have received any presents at all.
Humanitarian Christian organisation International Aid Trust distributes the Rotary shoeboxes in Ukraine.
In remote villages south of the capital, Kiev, where some still travel by donkey-drawn carts, families living in the most meagre of homes eagerly awaited their shoeboxes as did children with learning disabilities at a school in Velyko Polovetske.
In Russian-speaking Odesa, the grounds of the Central Church were transformed into a two-day pageant known as 'Yamaka' – based on the nativity.
Thousands of children arrived by bus from orphanages in the area to see costumed church volunteers portray the story of the first Christmas.
For many children, the highlight of their visit was receiving a shoebox packed with presents.
Life can be very bleak in Ukraine – since the fall of communism, corruption is rife and alcoholism can rip families apart, frequently leaving children destitute or in care. In Odesa, street children find warmth and shelter in underground sewers.
Rotary organise the delivery of around 60,000 shoeboxes to Central and Eastern Europe annually, not only at Christmas, but at Easter and throughout the year. Rotary shoeboxes are also distributed in Kosovo, Moldova, Croatia, Albania and Romania.

For further information visit www.shoebox.rotary1280.org and www.internationalaidtrust.org.uk