New Year gift campaign to give children winter clothes

THE Olive Tree Education and Solidarity Association (Zayder) has launched a New Year gift campaign with the hope of donating winter clothes and shoes to 245 children they support.

Zayder head Rabia Özcömert, who founded the association in 2016, said that children between the ages of one and 15 are in need of clothing items that can be second-hand or brand new, such as coats, boots or winter woollies to keep them warm.

The campaign has so far received donations of jumpers and cardigans for up to 36 children, but now needs the other items listed as a priority.

Speaking of the support the association has provided, Ms Özcömert said: “To date I believe we have helped more than 3,000 people around the country, such as pregnant women, families who live below the poverty line, those who have lost their houses to fire, and many others.

“We constantly have new children added to our member list. Some are bedridden and can’t wear shoes or need special shoes suited to their medical condition, which is why we want people to donate a variety of goods rather than only one type.

“More people are becoming aware of [Zayder] and what we do whenever the education or health ministries are unable to cope with people’s needs.”

Those who wish to make a donation can call Ms Özcömert on 0548 837 2327 to obtain a list of the children with their gender, age and shoe sizes and to also arrange a collection or to drop-off the items at Zayder’s Lefkoşa headquarters.