Few people could find the small Eastern European country Moldova on a map, but some children in orphanages there will have a happier Christmas this year thanks to the Okanagan Gleaners Sock Campaign.

The group is doing its annual collection of hand-knit hats, mitts and socks and new underwear for children to be delivered in time for Christmas.

The Okanagan Gleaners, which also prepares and sends dried soup mix to people in need locally and around the world, collects the items and includes them in containers of soup mix and hospital equipment.

Last year, the sock campaign collected more than 24,000 items to send to Ukraine and Moldova but everything will be going to Moldova this year because of the great need. It is considered the poorest country in Europe.

“The country is very poor and the people feel hopeless so they turn to alcohol and then they can’t take care of their children and put them in orphanages,” said Lou Abram, who knits all year. She and other members of Grace Bible Church made or collected 850 items for the Gleaners last year.

“I’ve done a lot of knitting and sewing this year and I’ve encouraged others to do the same. We hear from people who have been to these countries that the children really appreciate what we send.”

Abram said purchased items are also welcome and that parents might take their children shopping to teach them about helping other children who are not as fortunate as they are.

The knitting groups welcome donations of yarn and polar fleece to sew hats. Call Abram at 250-545-1294 and she will pick up donations.

Collection barrels for the Gleaners Sock Campaign are at most churches and the Schubert Centre. The last day for donations is Nov. 22. For more information call Howie Anhorn at 250-549-1632 or e-mail howieglen@shaw.ca.