Christmas Shoebox Appeals

jamtart6

Right I've made 5 boxes this year in true MSE style. Lots of things like other posters said were in the house new and unused. I have had freebies from sites thanks to MSE, picked up mega cheap smellies in Boots thanks to MSE, and bought hats/gloves/tights in sales for less than £1.

Best buy this week were 12 pencils for 5p for the pack. I bought 4 as I couldnt leave them there for that, knowing they would bring happiness to some lovely kids somewhere. 20p is like a drop in the ocean to me, but a sea of wealth to someone else. (beautiful simile there thanks A-Level English!!)

Also got a few 3 for £1 magazines this year which seem to come with freebies every time - including gloves last month, too large for me (freakishly small hands) but perfect for a teenage boy/man.

Will have to get them wrapped and sent off this week. thanks for the heads up about date jimsmum!

Debbie_S

I did 5 all for girls aged 10-14. They cost £10 each plus £2 for shipping. Here's mine:

Primark wrapping papper


Fun stuff. The red bag is full of jewellery. I loved doing that bit the most. Tesco bouncy balls.


Nice and clean.


So they can go to school.


Warm all year. I was lucky enough to find the scarf, hat and glove sets in Poundland.

The neighbour did one for a boy. She put in a fab whistle from Hawkins Bazaar, playing cards, large dice, bouncy ball, teddy bear and lots of school materials. I thought a penny whistle would be great. I find boys are the hardest to find things for. It's all guns and battery operated toys and characters that a boy living in a house made of mud with hardly any water will not of heard of.

jamtart6

Oh my goodness how have I missed this deadline - I've been at it all year! I wanted to donate to Link Romania - but the boxes had to be in today??? I'll have to give them to operation Christmas Child now which is fair enought i suppose! A heads up for others tho! COLLECTION TIME LOOMING!

Lurleene

I dropped off 9 boxes yesterday ( for Link Romania). I had hoped to get loads together through work but 6 of them I put together single handedly, and two were from my mum and sister!:rolleyes: Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying that to 'show off', but after trying so hard to rally people I was very upset and frustrated that that was all that I could deliver.

I really hoped that other people would be happy to contribute towards something so worthwhile, but sadly it wasn't the case in my experience.

We also made up a box for Samaritan's Child as my daughter's school was collecting for that. Less than 20 % of her school's pupils took a box in.

jamtart6

I had aspirations for lots too this year and have mustered up 5 (between me and Mum) which is great, anything is great, but I know exactly what you mean about lack of enthusiasm etc. I hasten to add the total of the stuff in my 5 cost under £10 cos I have been looking out for the best offers all year.

Just reading the stories on the websites makes me well up! everyone doing their bit helps - so well done to you Lurleene

jamtart6

Does anyone know why Operation Christmas Child don't let you put in clothes? Ive got some socks which I have bought to put in - but its not in the list of allowed 'clothes' so now I dont know what to do? If I put them in what will happen?

In fact I've also bought some vests etc - so can I not include them??

dobs

I started getting things to put in a shoebox this year but couldn't find a box anywhere or anyone else to give me one with the measurements they wanted! I don't buy shoes much except for the kids and they are tiny boxes so no good,i usually get shoes at m&s and they don't give you boxes. Mum said they wouldn't send it if it wasn't the right size box that they ask you for in the leaflet, feel bad about it but will have to try and get one for next year. Its such a good idea, its a shame there isnt a shoe company that will send out empty boxes to the churches etc which you can pick up with the leaflet!

Debbie_S

Mine aren't exact on size. I think it's just a rough guide. Our shoe shops in town are more than happy to give empty shoeboxes. I think they would have to pay to get rid of them otherwise.
It may be the case on clothes that it would take extra time to match an item to a child, right size and climate.

busydaffodil1

I havent seen this thread till today, but heres the 20 boxes I did for the "operation Christmas Child Appeal".
I got as much out of doing this and I think the kids get out of recieving.

Debbie_S

Wow! That's amazing! I wonder what the Moneysavingexpert Shoebox appeal total is or is everyone saving their money. I collected 13.