shoebox appeal...

[erin-x]

Is anyone else doing the shoebox appeal this year? I'm making one for a teenage girl but i'm kind of stuck on what else I can put in. I have all the basics but I wanted something a wee bit different...

Any ideas? :-)

[maggiebee]

Heard a story about a lady who kept her empty shoebox on a shelf for years so she would always remember the kindness of strangers who had filled it. Not sure if it's a true story, but I certainly had a lump in my throat.

[Maydup]

I've been googling shoebox appeals and Operation Christian Child is a part of
Samaritan's Purse which is a little too evangelical for me. eg:

[i] The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

It is because we are an evangelical Christian organisation that we love to see children who have received shoebox gifts being invited by the local churches to hear more about Jesus Christ etc etc. [i]

Anyone know of any shoebox appeals which are just about the giving and which respect the religions of the recipients?

[Jeza]

I would love to make up a shoe box for a child. Is there an appeal that has nothing to do with religion? If so put me down for 2.

[erin-x]

I just don't think about the religion aspect. I would rather they have the gift than not do it because it's linked to Christianity. I'm not sure if you can get one without....

[Maydup]

The Romania one looked promising but the collection date is Thursday and I'd need to take it to a random individual with a mobile phone number 25 miles from me.

Maybe I'll think about a box for a member of the forces but I'll keep looking.

[Mojo-Jo-Jo]

For those of us that don't have a fiver spare, Meals On Wheels don't operate on Christmas Day.
You can volunteer to deliver a meal or meals in your immediate area to people who would otherwise spend the day as any other, alone and hungry.

[MASS1961]

maidup,

i posted only 3 links, i'm sure there are more.
t&q=shoebox+appeal&pf=p&sclient=psy-ab&oq=sho
ebox+appe&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r
_qf.&fp=50b71fb07fb045ac&bpcl=35466521&biw=12
80&bih=687


This surely isn't a religious issue, it's about giving to people who basically have nothing.. I am seriously not religious but willingly give to this. If it is distributed by a religious organisation then so be it.

[erin-x]

I'm going to bed now but i'll come back tomorrow and make sure more people see it :-)

There's no harm in it eh! :-)

[MASS1961]

sorry that didn't work, just google shoebox appeal

[Maydup]

I don't mind supporting christian organisations when they deliver support and aid, but I'm concerned that the boxes are used to recruit children (who have no idea what christmas is) to receive the christian message. Thats not the end of the world I know, but its not the reason I'd want to send one.

I think I'd feel happier if I stick to something local and closer to home. There's usually a collection via the local radio for toys and gifts, I'll listen out for that.

[MASS1961]

maidup,

how about this one?
http://www.adra.org.uk/shoebox.html

non religious like me

[Mojo-Jo-Jo]

See my suggestion above Maidup.

[Smowball]

I'd like something closer to home too

[Georgiesmum]

Last year i did a couple of these boxes. one of them i included a tennis ball for a young bot and a yo-yo for the girl (two seperate boxes) for the girl i also included a little necklace. Roll on deodorants are ideal for older children.
as are warm scarves and gloves.

[Georgiesmum]

pens, pencils , colouring books and drawing pads are popular weith all ages, as are colouring pencils/crayons with the younger ones.

[MASS1961]

Which ever you want to contribute to, whether religious or not, UK or not, will all be gratefully received. It's the recipients that matter, not the politics.

[Maydup]

I'll think about that mojo.

erin - how about a pair of pretty teenage flip flops for your box?