Shoebox appeal

Children love to help other children; filling a shoebox with gifts for an individual child, is one way to show you care.

Feed The Children (UK)'s shoebox appeal takes place all year round - you don't have to wait for Christmas!

Your school or church might want to organise a shoebox appeal for harvest festival, or another occasion.

Download a leaflet

(The fastest way to download is to right-click on the link, then select Save Target As)

If you need a number of leaflets, please contact your nearest Feed The Children (UK) office, stating how many you would like sent to you.

Fill a Shoebox

Step one

Find a shoebox.  The stronger the better, and preferably the sort with a separate box and lid.

Step Two

Wrap or decorate your box.  Make your box as pretty as you like - but please wrap the box and lid separately, as the contents of the box have to be checked by Feed the Children (UK).

Step three

Fill it up with presents!

Please select items from the list.

Include a picture of yourself, and a letter if you like - but don't write your home address, or any other address anywhere on your box or letter.

Getting it all to fit in your box is a bit like doing a jigsaw - try to make everything fit as closely as you can, and try not to leave spaces in the box.

Step four

Stick £2 to the INSIDE of your box lid with sticky tape.  If you prefer to send a cheque, put it in a small plastic bag. and stick that to the inside of your lid.

It costs £2 to send each box abroad.

Step five

Finally, secure the box and lid with one, or preferably two big strong elastic bands.  Don't use sticky tape, as Feed The Children (UK) have to check the contents of each box.

Step six

Bring it to us at your local Feed The Children (UK) office, or one of our collection points.

(If you have a large number of boxes to deliver, and want to use one of our collection points, please call them first, to arrange a time.)

Please choose items from this list only.

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Hairbrush and comb 

Eraser, ruler, pencil sharpener

Crayons, pencils, pens

Notebook

2 face cloths

2 bars of soap

Ball, skipping rope

Knife, fork, spoon

Plastic cup

Plastic bowl

Plastic plate

Ball of string

Candles

Chalk

Sewing kit

Clothes pegs

If you buy everything on this list, it will cost around £14.

Ask your family if they have any of these items, unused and unwanted already;

Or get together with a friend to fill a box if you wish.

Please contact your local Feed The Children (UK) office for more information.