Six-hundred kilograms of knitted items and 100kg of supplies are on a container ship on their way to warm people set to take on eastern Europe’s approaching winter.

And for this to be achieved – through Bay of Plenty people handcrafting items, donating wool, cash or help to the cause – is warming the cockles of BOP Operation Cover Up’s co-ordinator.

Area co-ordinator Sharman Marsh says BOP knitters have contributed more than 300 blankets, 965 hats,126 mittens, 394 slippers, 340 jerseys and 93 knitted soft toys in this year’s effort. And she’s thanking all those who handcrafted or participated in any way, saying many hands made lighter work.

“The container ship left Auckland on July 20 bound for Rotterdam,” says Sharman. The estimated time of arrival is late October to early November.

“From there, the knitted goods along with toys and games, hygiene packs, stationery, shoes and backpacks are transported to a large processing centre in Romania for further distribution to Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Moldova and Ukraine.”

Operation Cover Up began more than 20 years ago in New Zealand to unite Kiwi knitters and crocheters in making blankets and warm clothing for children, families, and the elderly living in temperatures as low as -25C in eastern Europe.

Sharman is now turning her attention to next year’s appeal.

“We desperately need any donations of yarn or wool to start us off creating more clothing and blankets,” she says.

Donations can be dropped off at Lifezone Church, 7 Oak Lane, Judea, or email: tsmarsh@kinect.co.nz