Hunt for things to put in charity christmas shoeboxes

Strepsy

Ooh LinkRomania sounds good. Maybe I'll do one for them too.

I've got 4 Christmas child boxes nearly finished.


Edit: Actually it looks like quite a trek to deliver to a collection point, not sure I could do it. Shame.

jap200

Strepsy wrote:

Ooh LinkRomania sounds good. Maybe I'll do one for them too.

I've got 4 Christmas child boxes nearly finished.


Edit: Actually it looks like quite a trek to deliver to a collection point, not sure I could do it. Shame.

They will collect if you can organise 50 boxes - that's only a few like-minded friends and family to rope in. You sound enthusiastic about it, so it wouldn't be too difficult to persuade others to join in!

tubbies74

thanks for the link for the Romania appeal thats where my boxes are going and I have emailed them as there is not local collector in my area offering my services, thanks for this christmas as it should be all about thinking of others less fortunate than yourself, putting someone else 1st a box of smiles not using the boxes as a tool for religion, these boxes are coming from the heart of the people and they don't want anything in return so they shouldn't be used as such

safesound

jap200 wrote:

Now - after all these ethical discussions - can we get on with the 'hunt' for things to go in these boxes!

I'm sorry for hijacking your thread :silenced:
As pennance I found some of those polystyrene aeroplanes someone wanted:
http://www.sciencesleuth.co.uk/toys_detail.asp?p=47
and I wanted to mention Hawkins Bazaar as they do lots and lots of cute little things that would be perfect to put in any shoebox gift.
http://www.hawkin.com/

tubbies74

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/12-FLYING-GLIDERS-FOR-KIDS-PARTY-BAGS_W0QQitemZ200033040161QQihZ010QQcategoryZ90922QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

this is a link to ebay item 12 gliders for 2.80 delivered there are quite a few listed on there

or
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/12-x-Gliders-for-party-bags-bazaars-xmas-stockings_W0QQitemZ220036343833QQihZ012QQcategoryZ109249QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

0.99 or best offer with 2.00 postage

auntywalker2

tubbies74 wrote:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/12-FLYING-GLIDERS-FOR-KIDS-PARTY-BAGS_W0QQitemZ200033040161QQihZ010QQcategoryZ90922QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

this is a link to ebay item 12 gliders for 2.80 delivered there are quite a few listed on there

or
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/12-x-Gliders-for-party-bags-bazaars-xmas-stockings_W0QQitemZ220036343833QQihZ012QQcategoryZ109249QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

0.99 or best offer with 2.00 postage

BEWARE - nothing "military" is allowed in the Samaritans Purse boxes, so would need to look like commercial planes.

HTH

zippybungle

Wilko's have small packets of Crayons for about 15p and Tesco have packs of 2 value toothbrushes for 15p.
I have also been saving mini packs of Crayons that my Boys get free from Pizza Hut.

Lakelady_2

I`ve been buying all year for the christmas child boxes and I`ve got boxes of stuff!
I usually buy items on offer or sale goods such as hat and glove sets - Woolies are usually fairly good and Ethel Austin. Claires Accessories are great as well if you get a good sale rack.
I like the idea that these boxes are placed directly into the hands of the children at least we know they are getting them.
The only bit I don`t like is covering the shoe boxes - what a pain that is!

cabra1

just an idea but if your lucky enough
to find a plain shoe box,why not just
decorate it with stickers dotted about

or if your shoe box has a plain lid then
just cover the bottom with christmas
paper and use stickers on the top.

They do lovely Christmas stickers
in the pound shops in good sized
sheets.

Its not too bad covering one box
but if you have lots it can take
quite a while.I once had 22 boxes
to decorate.with that many you start to
look for other ways and I must admit
they all looked lovely when they were
finished.I just depends on the box you
have.

jap200

I spoke to my friend who organises the collection of the shoeboxes at my son's pre-school this morning. I hadn't realised before, but she helps at the main warehouse doing the final check on the boxes and sealing them up for transport each year - also 2 years ago she went out to Romania to help distribute the boxes. She categorically told me that no religious leaflets are added to the boxes before sealing them up and that the boxes are still sealed when given to the kids.

When she went out to distribute the boxes they went to schools, hospitals, childrens homes and hospices - not a single one was connected to any church group and no preaching etc. took place. She is not religious herself and said that she would not take part in the scheme if they did the things that they have been accused of.

They put the boxes directly into the childrens hands and were usually in tears - because of the conditions these kids live in and also the happines that these little boxes give them. Some kids put the the hats and gloves on and refused to take them off even to sleep! She said that you would not believe the enjoyment they get out of something simple like a bouncy ball - things that our own kids would ignore in seconds!

She was very upset to hear about all the things people have been suggesting about this organisation and is worried that it will put people off doing these boxes. She is going to raise the issue with the organisers in our area to find out for certain if the stories have any foundation at all - I will let you know the outcome.

We both realise that as Samaritan's purse is an international organisation it might work differently in other countries where boxes are filled (e.g. the US). However, having spoken to her I feel reassured that as far as we are aware, the way the whole operation is handled from the UK does more good than bad and I will continue to support it.

However, each of us has to make our own minds up about this.

P.S She suggested that a pair of socks is a very useful addition to the boxes.