Christmas Shoebox Appeals

jamtart6 · 4 January 2007 at 12:29PM

I just wanted to remind you all about the shoe box appeals around Christmas time. January sales would be an excellent time to buy little bits to go in some shoe boxes and you might not notice the extra cost, if you buy bits all through the year.

I mention it now, as I forgot *hangs head in shame* last year, and missed the deadline date...so am DEFINATLY on a mission to make up as many shoeboxes as possible.

The thing that spurred me on to post this now, was pictures of Romanian children receiving the shoeboxes in the local paper this morning. Their little faces brought a tear to my eye, and there and then I vowed never to forget it again!

http://www.samaritanspurse.uk.com/occ/filling-a-box.asp

There are many organisations who run shoebox appeals, some with religious attachments and others without, I saw a fair few mentioned on here before Christmas, but for a general idea, the link above gives you an idea of what it entails.

Well done to everyone who made a shoebox last year :T ... and just think if everyone on MSE made one shoe box, so many little kids Christmas's would be made so much brighter! :money:

play2day · 4 January 2007 at 4:11PM

Thanks Jamtart6 I have already started mine. I donate a shoe box for every person I feel I 'should' buy a present for but know for certain that they have all they want and would rather not recieve one. I am such a person and ask allmy friends to do the same. i sent 14 boxes last year via this service:

http://www.linkromania.co.uk/filling_a_box.htm

Each box is for a family rather than just one child and there is no religeous materials put into the box after it is sent.

jamtart6 · 4 January 2007 at 5:38PM

oh I really like sending them to a family idea!!! I know christmas is children orientated, but Im sure the whole family have had some hard times!

Thanks for this link, the info and "what to pack" is really good, and there is a collection point close by to me. I might get all the family involved and try and get over the 50 shoe boxes. If we start now theres no excuse!!

I have just found my first item, a 5 pack of unopened socks that I have no need for as I definatly have enough socks to last until im 30! I also *shamefully* know that there is plenty of stuff in my wardrobe unworn with the tags on...so clearour will be first port of call followed by buying little bits each week!

I did it when i was younger, and still write to the girl who got my shoebox!! I am THRILLED that the link you posted, goes to her village!!!!

thanks!!

play2day · 4 January 2007 at 6:01PM

Oh bless, Jamtart6 that is lovely!
I like the idea of going for 50 boxes. Your right if we get started now it should be achievable though storing them could be a problem.....
I bought some small 'chilly and friends' stuffed toys in Tescos today at 64p each and also boxes of dominos in Wilkinsons at 25p each so I am off to a good start for this year.

jamtart6 · 4 January 2007 at 7:20PM

maybe we could keep each other posted on where there are cheap/cheerful things to go in shoeboxes and encourage other money savers to get involved too!

play2day · 4 January 2007 at 8:06PM

Super idea! Will do. As you have insider info as to what would be very useful and welcome in the shoe boxes I hope that you will be able to give us all hints and tips!

jamtart6 · 4 January 2007 at 8:40PM

Just out of the corner of my beady eye i spotted a bag of marbles which i saved from the semi non tacky crackers, there is also a tape measure (not so sure that will be useful!) but if you still have bits of things like that knocking around, im sure they could go in gratefully too!

barmonkey · 4 January 2007 at 8:46PM

cant remember why but after a report on our local news a couple of years back lots of schools and other organisations stopped doing them. my daughters school has not done them for about 3 years.
wish i could remember why.

Altarf · 4 January 2007 at 9:24PM

barmonkey wrote:

cant remember why but after a report on our local news a couple of years back lots of schools and other organisations stopped doing them. my daughters school has not done them for about 3 years.
wish i could remember why.

http://humfam.humgroups.org.uk/Samaritans_Purse.html may remind you.

barmonkey · 4 January 2007 at 10:25PM

that was it

*Louise* · 4 January 2007 at 11:22PM

I think this is a great idea, and would like to participate.:T

Won't be going with the Samaritans one though - the Romanian link appears the better one.

Just need to buy shoes now to get a box....:p

Christmas Shoebox Appeals

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