"Adas Rakauskas, 37, never forgot the present he received as an eight-year-old as his family was struggling financially and getting food to the table. Now the Co Louth-based dad has started making the "transformative" gifts for other children. Originally from Lithuania, Mr Rakauskas is also urging the entire country to join Team Hope's annual Christmas Shoebox Appeal by sending life-changing gifts to children affected by poverty around the world."
"Mr Rakauskas said: "We didn't have much food - or good food. Medically, we were all malnourished as children. I remember sitting at the table as a child for a meal and there was just bread or some carrots. At times we relied on neighbours to drop something in, so we were struggling, and it was tough on my parents from a financial perspective.""
""I remember all of us gathered in the village and there was a play. At the end, the shoeboxes were given to the children. We were very excited. I think there were pens and pencils and some stationery in the box. What struck me most was that someone had put this together.""
Adas Rakauskas recalls receiving a shoebox at eight while his family struggled financially and the children suffered malnutrition. He remembers simple food like bread or carrots and neighbours helping at times. The memory of a gift containing pens, pencils and stationery left a lasting impression. Now based in Drogheda with his wife Tracey and three children, he packs shoeboxes for families living in poverty. Team Hope delivers the gift-packed shoeboxes, often the only festive present, to children in Africa and Eastern Europe. The charity marks its 15th year and encourages schools, employers and communities to get involved via teamhope.ie.
Read at Irish Independent
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