Christmas Shoe-box Appeal

What is the appeal? 

Each year we take part in a appeal to send Christmas boxes out to areas where children would not otherwise receive Christmas gifts – each one different, each one personal, each one an expression of your care and kindness towards a stranger in need.

We have launched this year’s Shoe Box Appeal. Last year we sent 175 boxes and we are asking the fellowship to again support this amazing ministry which seeks to help families living in eight Eastern European countries, including Ukraine. 

There are several ways in which you can get involved:

Get a shoebox – they are available in the Crush Hall, where you can also pick up a leaflet which details the items which can be put in the box for the different age categories. We have also produced a help sheet, which highlights some of the pitfalls we encountered last year. Please take one. Cover the box with Christmas paper (or decorate it!). Include a completed checklist and a donation towards transport costs (if possible). Return boxes to the table in the Crush Hall. We will intimate the last date for return, probably early November.

If you would rather provide suitable items for inclusion in the boxes, please place them in the hamper in the Crush Hall. We are hoping to concentrate on boxes for teenagers and adults. However, all donations NEW items are most welcome and we will be filling children’s boxes.

Monetary donations are also welcome. 

Please pray for this Appeal: that we, as a church, will make a real difference this Christmas and that those who receive the shoe boxes will learn too about the Lord Jesus.                       

“The bag of sweets and tube of toothpaste will soon be empty but the Gospel has the power to change hearts, transform lives and give hope that never runs out.”

LBC: Over the years we have been delighted to see that members from the local community who attend our coffee mornings, Little Acorns Parent and Toddler group, Kids’ Church and Boys’ Brigade (to name a few) are also happy to pick up a box / boxes and join in with the effort to fill as many boxes as possible. Please feel free to collect a box from the church vestibule….

After collection all boxes are handed in to collection points for them to be checked and prepared for international shipping.  With destinations allocated the humble shoe box begins its journey.  And so, a small shoebox can have a big impact and it is great to be a part of changing children’s lives all over the world in Jesus’ name through the power of a simple gift.

Huge thanks go to everyone who has joined us in supporting our Christmas Shoe-box appeal over the years, campaigns I’m sure you can all agree is such a great way of sharing Jesus love at Christmas.