Christmas shoebox appeal begins

Tuesday 29 October 2019

Rotary Guernesiais has started its annual appeal for shoeboxes full of small Christmas gifts, which will be shipped off to disadvantaged children in Eastern Europe.

Last year, the island managed to collect more than 4,000 boxes - 10% of all those collected across the UK.

The boxes will be split between four age groups between one and 15, with different items recommended for each.

Ideas for each box include a toothbrush, toothpaste and soap as well some fun toys, drawing materials, a hat, gloves or other useful items. No food or liquids of any sort can be sent in the boxes and all items should be new or 'as new'.

Participants are asked to choose the age and gender of their recipient and attach a label to the top of the box before dropping it off to be sent.

Pictured: Shoebox advice.

You're asked not to wrap individual items but you can wrap the box, with an elastic band to secure it. You can also include a card, letter or photograph if you wish.

All those making a box should sellotape £1 to the top, towards transportation and administration costs.

All completed boxes should be dropped off at Cirrus House in Garenne Park, St Sampson's between 2 November and 9 November. The point will be open from 10:00 until 19:00 daily, except on Sunday 3 November when it will close at 13:00.

Alternatively, boxes can be dropped at Fletcher Sports in Town or on the Bridge.

Leaflets are being sent out to schools, but anyone else can request some by contacting Hannah on 07781 127606 or Liz on 07781 131606.

More information is available here.