Toys to be donated to Beslan children

Schoolchildren are being invited to donate one of their toys to Beslan school siege survivors.

The International Charity Society (ICS) has asked Maltese children to take one of their toys to school until Wednesday.

"Beslan is everybody's tragedy and the entire world is now helping Russia," the society said.

The toys will be collected by society representatives on Thursday, or can be delivered by school members at Freedom Square on Saturday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. where an activity - Toy From Maltese Child To Beslan Child - will be organised.

The children are also being invited to attend Saturday's activity, where they will have the opportunity to draw pictures in support of Beslan children. These pictures will be presented to the Russian authorities in Malta together with the toys.

An invitation is being extended to Maltese singers to participate in the event, while school children wishing to sing and dance will be welcome.

The society said Maltese students will be introduced to Russian orphan children who are in Malta.

The society expressed its gratitude for the interest of Maltese families who are ready to host children from Beslan and other orphan children, who will be coming to Malta in December.

ICS is appealing for donations, which can be made by calling 5004 9723, for Lm3 on 5004 9725, for Lm5 and 5004 9720 for Lm10. Donations can also be made to the Beslan Support Account at the APS bank (account number 2000 0125 316).