We have found that banana boxes are ideal containers of aid for one family. These are thrown away by the supermarkets, so they are usually only too pleased for you take them off their hands.

BANANA BOXES of humanitarian aid To come anywhere near satisfying the need requires every truck to bring around 200 banana boxes of food. When packed, a banana box will weigh in the region of 12-13kg. The boxes should be mostly food with some toiletries added. Please don't forget when packing these boxes, the next convoy might be several months away and so do not include anything with a use by date that could expire before it even gets to Kosovo.
Pasta, rice, and flour are the staple items needed. You may want to include some tinned items as well. Basic toiletries like toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap and even washing powder can also be packed but please ensure it's well wrapped.

Please remember, each box is intended for one family, which may consist of two adults and up to four children. Hope and Aid Direct always deliver the aid they take, directly into the hands of the people who need it most.

That way they ensure it gets to where it will do the most good and is less likely to find its way into the wrong hands. This was the basic ethos behind the formation of the charity and why its name includes the word 'direct'.


SHOP-N-DROP
A considerable proportion of the food aid taken on these convoys is derived from SHOP-N-DROP days held at large supermarkets. Groups of volunteers set up in a supermarket foyer and ask customers to buy a couple of extra items whilst doing their shopping and to then drop those items into collection bins on their way out. A list of suitable items is displayed and some stores let us put notices up on the shelves alongside the items most needed, to remind shoppers what to buy.

If you would like to become involved in the work done by Hope and Aid Direct please contact the group nearest to you.