Ideas for Operational Christmas Child Shoeboxes.

Becles

QueenB. wrote:

Does anyone ever put a little picture of themselves in? It says it is acceptable on the site but i have never done it before.

My boys put a photo of themselves in a Christmas card, and put that in the box. They like the thought of the child being able to see who packed the box!

Chipps

Yes, we have put pictures in with a card. Also, when a whole group of us from church have done lots, collecting through the year then having one fun wrapping and packing day, we have taken a photo of all the group with the boxes & put those in.

Do you know what struck me this morning reading this thread?
Here we are on a site dedicated to saving money, talking about how we can best give to others. It rather dispels the myth that people who want the best from their money are tight-fisted or mean, doesn't it!

catkins

Went out yesterday afternoon and started buying bits and pieces. I already have 4 shoeboxes so will do at least that number. In Poundland I saw they had mini radios. I was going to buy one but OH said he didn't think they would pick up anything in Romania so would not be worthwhile. Is this true does anyone know?

Will be going out again today - I love being able to spend money and not feel guilty. Have seen lots of little bits in Woolies and Wilkinsons which I will get today.

hobbesy_2

Please no-one shoot me down, I think what you're all doing is great. But, does anyone know of a similar setup for children in this country, especially one that is non religious. There are just so many children who are also living in poverty here that we don't hear about.

I have a 3 year old and 8 month old and this year wanted to start a family tradition of giving them some money to go a choose a present or presents for another child to remind them not everyone has what they have (which admittedly isn't a great deal but we're happy). I was thinking along the lines of a women's shelter where kids have often had to leave a lot of their stuff behind, or just speaking to social services if they had a family in mind we could buy something for via them

Any suggestions

Keri -x-

Chipps

Have you tried looking in local community newsletters or perhaps the CAB? Maybe you could get in touch with a local organisation that way & ask what they might need?
The only other organisation I know about, although not how to contact them, is Angel Tree which gives Christmas presents to the children of prisoners, on behalf of the imprisoned parent.

*debbie*

Clarkes have always been fantastic when I have needed boxes, our local one in March, Cambs saved 40 of them for me this summer! They appreciate a call first, especially if you'd like quite a few, and some of them have no space to store them for health and safelty reasons. But by phoning a few you should get some without any problem.

Last year our local Co-op was collecting them, I understood it was a national thing, not sure if they're involved again this year?

HopeElizzy

hobbesy wrote:

Please no-one shoot me down, I think what you're all doing is great. But, does anyone know of a similar setup for children in this country, especially one that is non religious. There are just so many children who are also living in poverty here that we don't hear about.

I know you particularly asked for a non-religious set-up but is it worth ringing a local church to enquire. Our local church donates to the womens refuge next door to them amongst other places when we collect toys and games at christmas. A local church very often gives to local organisations not just church based ones. HTH

Churchmouse

hobbesy wrote:

I have a 3 year old and 8 month old and this year wanted to start a family tradition of giving them some money to go a choose a present or presents for another child to remind them not everyone has what they have (which admittedly isn't a great deal but we're happy).

Just wanted to say I think this is a lovely idea, and will make a wonderful tradition for your family.:D

Would echo that many Churches can help direct to non-religious causes. Also try your local health visitors who I'm sure could direct you to a women's refuge or similar.

inkie

I am a minster for the Salvation Army and can think of plenty of families that could do with a helping hand at Christmas. Why not contact your local branch - or look out for the 'pass the parcel' appeal that we do each year - in partnership with 'This Morning'.

hobbesy_2

Thank you for your help everyone. I will ask around. A thought I also had myself is that as we have Surestart in our area they probably know some families too that could do with an extra gift or two at Christmas.

Last year we gave our gift directly to Surestart to be used in one of their groups. A BIG bag of megablocks

Keri -x-

is it nearly christmas