We are delighted to be launching our fifth Christmas Shoe Box Appeal.
When we first set up our Shoe Box Appeal in 2018, to ensure that the young people living in our supported housing services would have a gift at Christmas, we never expected it to grow as big as it has over the past five years. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Cambridgeshire community, we have been able to provide a Christmas gift to hundreds of vulnerable people every year.
For those who are new to the CHS Shoe Box Appeal, CHS Group provides a number of accommodation and support services in Ely, Wisbech and Cambridge, supporting young people aged 16-24 years old who would otherwise be homeless, as well as people with learning disabilities and those experiencing mental health issues.
We are inviting individuals, schools, churches, businesses and community groups to donate a shoebox or gift bag filled with a range of Christmas gifts. Suggested donations include gender-neutral presents such as toiletries, clothing, sweets, treats, stationery and gift cards. Personal notes or messages are also encouraged.
As in previous years, any surplus boxes or items received will be distributed to other community groups and charities across Cambridgeshire which also support vulnerable people such as other supported housing services and local foodbanks.
What to do
1. Wrap a box with Christmas paper or use a gift bag, please do not wrap individual items
2. Fill it with a variety of different items from the suggestion list
3. Include a card and message (optional)
4. Gender neutral gifts are preferred but please label the box if gender specific, leaving the box/gift bag unsealed
5. Drop the box off at any of our drop off locations. Or make a donation and we will make up a box for you https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/CHS-Shoe-Box-Appeal
Suggestions list
New/unopened toiletries—toothbrushes/paste, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, shower gel, hair gel, nail polish
Clothing—hats, scarf, gloves, socks, underwear, pyjamas (medium)
Food—chocolate/sweets, biscuits, selection boxes, savoury snacks
Stationary—pens, notepads, games/cards
Gift cards—supermarket or coffee shops
Strictly no alcohol, tobacco or cash please
Donations can be dropped off at the following locations and times from now until Friday 15 December:
Cambridge
Head Office – Endurance House, Chivers Way Histon CB24 9ZR
Monday – Friday 9am -12pm & 2.30pm – 5pm (please avoid 12 – 2.30pm)
Russell Street – 82 Russell Street Cambridge CB2 1HU
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
Ely
Wheatsheaf Close – 1 Wheatsheaf Close Ely CB6 3YJ
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
Wisbech
204 – 204, Norwich Road, Wisbech, PE13 3TD
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
Fenland Young People’s Service – The Staithe, Holmes Drive, Wisbech, P13 3TJ
Monday – Friday 9am –5pm
If you would like to find out more please get in touch 0300 1113555 or email
Kristina.Cairns@chsgroup.org.uk or Melanie.Johnson@chsgroup.org.uk