This year's Shoe Box Appeal has already gathered enthusiastic interest from County Kilkenny with Team Hope anticipating an increase in shoe boxes donated.
The six-week campaign encourages schools, local communities and churches across the country to fill specially-distributed shoe boxes with personal staple items such as toothpaste, along with toys, crayons and colouring books, for distribution to needy children throughout Africa and Eastern Europe.
“Every child should have a gift to open on Christmas morning; that’s what we’re working for,” says Carol Hennessey, Christmas shoe box appeal manager.
“To date, we have received tremendous community support from County Kilkenny, all eager to contribute to the appeal. The early indications show that the number of boxes received from County Kilkenny this year will supersede the number received last year, bringing even more smiles to the faces of children.”
Local collection points in the Kilkenny region, include: Costelloe’s Pharmacy, Green Street, Callan; Castlecomer Library; Kilkenny Libraries, John Street and Loughboy; Curves Fitness, Newman House, New Street, Kilkenny.
Team Hope is asking that all shoe boxes be dropped off at these collection points by November 10. Team Hope will check that each box meets all the customs and safety requirements, seal it and send it on its way by truck or container. In the receiving country, Team Hope’s network of partners will deliver it right into a child’s hands — in hospitals, schools, shelters, churches, orphanages, community centres or family homes.
Shoe boxes should be wrapped in Christmas paper (the lid separately ) and it’s up to the donor to choose who they would like to receive the gift, ie, a boy or a girl, and the age group for which it is suited. All the information about how to pack the box, suggestions as to suitable items, a sticker to mark the box (boy or girl, etc, ) and an envelope for the €3 (contribution towards transport, etc, ) is in a leaflet which is available from the local co-ordinator, by phoning Team Hope at 01 2940222 or via the website www.teamhope.ie Your shoebox can turn just another day in a child’s life into something very special, a day that he/she will remember for years to come, so come on County Kilkenny, let’s make sure we increase the number of shoe boxes we send this year.
