We are again taking part in the annual Link to Hope Shoebox Appeal.
I do hope that we can do something to help these people, for whom life really is a struggle, especially in these difficult times.
The Link to Hope Shoebox appeal asks people to fill a shoebox for a family or an elderly couple in Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria and Romania.
There are leaflets at the back of church which will give greater details and make suggestions about what they would like us to include in the boxes.
It is important to read the instructions on the leaflet which clearly define what you can put in the boxes. Due to customs and import regulations, you can’t just put anything in, but there are loads to choose from:
- All items in the blue box
- Add 5 or more items from the Red Box for a Family Shoebox
OR from the Purple Box to make a Unisex Elderly Shoebox, - the recommended size is an average adult shoebox around a size 8(approximately 18 x 10 x 30 cm), though a slightly larger size 10 or 11 is also fine.
- Please note, they need a £3 donation with each Christmas shoebox to cover the cost of shipping it to the recipient
Suggestions from Link to Hope:
What’s in a typical Christmas shoebox gift for a family?
The families who receive your Christmas shoeboxes often have to choose between buying food or fuel. Buying presents is a low priority, as their homes often lack running water or are cold, damp and dark because they have no electricity. Our online Shoebox Appeal list mixes eleven essential and luxury items. For example:
- Knitted hat
- Chocolate
- Soap and flannel
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Candle and holder
- Playing cards
- Hairbrush
- Tape measure
- Soft toy
- Calculator
- Shampoo
What’s in a typical Christmas shoebox gift for the elderly?
Due to the number of elderly people that are now being left alone due to their families leaving to work away, we have launched the Elderly Shoebox Appeal. The boxes are similar however the children’s games and education materials are replaced with a wind-up torch, sensory items, candle and holder etc
Our Shoebox Appeal for the elderly people is a very powerful reminders that people genuinely care. The online Christmas shoebox list includes a range of much-needed items. For example, you might select:
- Cutlery
- Lavender bag
- Socks
- Hot water bottle
- Pen and paper
- Reading glasses
- Gloves
- Boiled sweets
- Soap and flannel
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
Last year we collected 43 boxes. I wonder if we can beat that this year?
Please ensure that you attach the check list to the outside of your box.
Full details are on the website: https://linktohope.co.uk/shoebox-appeal-2026/.
I ask that boxes are brought to me, or left at the back of church, by Sunday 25th October – to allow me time to take them to the collection point.