Christmas shoebox appeal launches to help children
A gift-filled shoebox campaign launched for children who would otherwise go without this Christmas.
**Christmas shoebox appeal launches to help children**
The boxes will be available in supermarkets for shoppers to collect and fill before they are handed over to schools and charities for distribution.
Children across Staffordshire who might otherwise miss out on a Christmas present are expected to receive gift-filled shoeboxes through a new appeal urging residents to donate locally.
The scheme, run by World Give, is inviting people to take empty shoeboxes from supermarkets, pack them with gifts and return them so they can be distributed to families through schools, charities and Staffordshire County Council.
Trustee Adam Contoret said the appeal was started after the charity saw rising hardship much closer to home.
"We look around the shops, we see everyone going about their business, but you don't see the people that aren't there," he said.
Schoolchildren gave feedback on the kinds of items that could be included, allowing a list to be drawn up to help shoppers know what to put in the boxes.
"There's people that would be buying Christmas presents, but they can't because they haven't got the money."
Over the past 20 years, the charity has supported more than 100,000 children around the world by sending shoeboxes packed with gifts. This year, though, it has shifted its focus to helping children and families in Staffordshire.
"It's apparently one in seven children who won't get a formal gift-wrapped Christmas present under the tree at Christmas," Contoret said.
"This year we're turning around. Charity begins at home. The boxes are being done in Staffordshire for Staffordshire kids."
People will be able to pick up empty shoeboxes from participating supermarkets, fill them while shopping and return them to be handed out through schools and local charities.
The appeal follows a Family Action survey of 2,000 parents and carers, which found that one in five had thought about cancelling Christmas because they could not afford it, while one in nine said they would not be able to afford a Christmas present for their child.
Adam Contoret has previously sent shoeboxes around the world but this year, after seeing the figures, wants to bring the focus closer to home.
Contoret said schools and local charities were best placed to identify families who could benefit from the scheme and make sure gifts were given out discreetly.
"The schools know the families and they're the best place to hand those gifts over at the right time in a discreet and respectful way," he said.
Students backing the campaign said the shoeboxes could make a major difference to children at Christmas.
Noah said he would put practical items in alongside gifts.
"I think it's good to give things to everyone and relate it to the age groups," he said.
"I would give them notepads, pens, calculators and a stationery set, for example pencil cases, rulers and protractors."
Steven said the appeal could help children enjoy the festive season.
"Christmas is a festive season of merriness, so if you don't have any presents, you don't feel that giving and love and you won't feel that much merrier," he said.
Isabelle said a gift-filled shoebox could make children feel appreciated.
"They might feel special because they know someone actually put thought into putting stuff in the box for them, so they know that someone cares for them and they feel loved," she said.