Shoebox appeal 2009

19 Sep 2009 | Charities

This is our 10th annual Christmas Shoebox appeal, together with Springhill School.  This nationwide project is organised locally by the Rotary Club of Southampton and 3,500 boxes have been sent from this parish since 2000.   Our aim is to reach 4,000 shoeboxes this year.

If you are new to the parish, or would like a reminder, this is what to do:

THIS WEEKEND OR NEXT 1. take an empty shoebox from the church porch.

2. Fill the box with simple gifts for a poor child; the target countries are Montenegro, Romania & Tanzania. In the box is a leaflet explaining what is/is not suitable, plus patterns for knitted or sewn teddy bears and hats – the latter being needed even in Africa where foothill temperatures plummet at night.

3. Wrap the box as per leaflet instructions and return by Sunday October 25 to the Altar Servers’ Sacristy [not please to the Church Porch].

4. Please tape a £1 coin to the outside of the box to help cover transport costs.

There is a children’s booklet available in the porch for these two weekends.   Boxes for boys of all ages are especially welcome as they tend to be overlooked.

Please try to stick to the deadlines as late boxes may not reach the destination in time.

Each child will only ever receive one box – and this may be their only present .. ever.

Some of these children are found living in wooden shacks, sewers, or primitive refugee camps under plastic sheeting.   A gift-filled box for them may be rewarding to make, but is like a miracle to receive.

For more info, see www.rotary1110.org.uk

If you would not be able to fill a complete box, it is possible to hand in loose suitable items to go in boxes being prepared by the organisers.

Here are some ideas on what to fill your shoebox with:-

Or download these instructions to make knitted teddy bears or hand puppets.