Christmas Shoebox Appeals

[jamtart6]

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 ... and just think if everyone on MSE made one shoe box, so many little kids Christmas's would be made so much brighter!

[play2day]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Originally Posted by barmonkey

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]

that was it

[*Louise*]

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

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....

[play2day]

I used wine boxes last year! hic! They are always available at the supermarkets. Clarks and some other shoe shops will give you them too if you say what they are for. Still new shoes sound good... there are lots of sales on... and it is for a good cause......

[play2day]

Originally Posted by barmonkey

that was it

:confused:

from this site:

http://www.linkromania.co.uk/appeal%20letter.htm

It's Not Us!

You may have seen some negative press about certain other shoebox appeals and we would like to assure you that we are an entirely separate organisation, with our own printed material, Nationwide network of collectors, etc.

We DO NOT :

· Employ professional fund-raisers with a hard-sell approach to the appeal

· Add any Christian (or other) literature to the Shoeboxes

· Distribute Shoeboxes according to the recipient's ethnic origin or faith, only their need

[play2day]

Originally Posted by *Louise*

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

I hope you will keep us all posted with any suitable bargains you find.

[Debbie_S]

We stopped doing our local shoebox appeal because of a thank you letter one of the ladies received which showed they were going to the wrong place. The letter was along the lines of "Thank you for the doll we are having a great day playing on our Playstation"!
I used to make up 10 jewellery boxes for girls filled with beads, bangles and necklaces. It would be nice to do this again but know for sure that they really are going to needy children.

[play2day]

Originally Posted by Debbie_S

We stopped doing our local shoebox appeal because of a thank you letter one of the ladies received which showed they were going to the wrong place. The letter was along the lines of "Thank you for the doll we are having a great day playing on our Playstation"!
I used to make up 10 jewellery boxes for girls filled with beads, bangles and necklaces. It would be nice to do this again but know for sure that they really are going to needy children.

I am sure jamtart6 could help with this? She is a pen pal with somebody who once recieved a shoe box from her and they still sent to the same village. I am sure she will be along soon....

[*Louise*]

Right - I'm going shopping on Sunday and looking to start picking up bits and bobs. Got a couple already - Small teddy bear (still with tags), loads of balloons, and a packet of coulouring pencils.

Have copied this from the site in case anyone else is looking for ideas:


Sweets (not chocolate)
Soap/flannel
Toothbrush/paste
Brush/comb
Toiletries
Plasters/nail file/clippers
Razors
Gloves/scarves/hats (new)
Socks/tights (new)
Hair slides
Notebooks
Pens’pencils
Geometry set
Scissors
Felt pens
Colouring books/crayons
Puzzle/ball/yoyo/car
Small teddy bear
Balloons
Small toys

^^All pretty easy to come by - could get a few items a week easily.

BANNED ITEMS
Romanian Custom Rules ban these items. Please make sure they are not in your box.
No Animal products
No Food of any kind
No Coffee, Tea or Alcohol
No Money
No Perfume
No Medicines/medical products
No out of date items
No second hand goods
No seeds

[jamtart6]

Superdrug have a really good sale on and so does Ethel Austins for bits for shoeboxes..

I have just been to town and bought:
* Bedsocks 49p
*Gorgeous pink hat (furry) and gloves set £1.50
*3 vests £1.50
*Pink slippers £1.20
* 2 sets of bobbles pink and purple (about 30 bobbles) for £1

They are my first purchases for the shoeboxes and will be GIRL aged 5-8

[Sallys Savings]

I've just brought four childrens hat and glove sets from Tesco for 75p a set ..they're so cute and I'm really pleased

[play2day]

M&S had some cross stitch 'Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady' bookmark kits complete with all threads, chart, cloth, tassles and needle in a nice little box reduced to £1 today. A good addition for a 'family box'.