We are delighted to launch our sixth annual CHS Christmas Shoe Box Appeal to ensure all the young people (16-24 years old) living in our supported housing services will have a gift to open this Christmas. In previous years, this was the only Christmas gift some of our residents received.
We are inviting individuals, schools, churches, businesses and community groups to donate a shoebox or gift bag filled with a range of Christmas gifts similar to what you may put in a stocking. Suggested donations include gender-neutral presents such as toiletries, clothing, sweets, savoury treats, stationery and retail gift cards.
Personal notes or messages from donors are welcomed and as with previous years, in the event of any surplus shoeboxes, we will redistribute these to other supported housing services and community groups across Cambridgeshire who also support vulnerable people.
And there’s more…
We want this year’s appeal to be our biggest yet and to reach as many people as possible, so we are excited to announce that we are teaming up with Cambs Youth Panel, who host an annual Christmas Fair for over 800 children from families facing financial hardship. So, this year, as well as appealing for shoe box donations, we also want to raise £1,000 to help pay for the gifts that will be distributed to the children attending the Cambs Youth Panel’s Christmas Fair in December.
To donate a shoebox:
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 (see below)
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 no later than Friday 13th December
Suggestions list
· Gift cards—supermarket or coffee shops
· New/unopened toiletries—toothbrushes/paste, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, shower gel, hair gel, nail polish, shaving toiletries
· Clothing—hats, scarves, gloves, socks, pyjamas (medium);
· Food—chocolate/sweets, biscuits, selection boxes, savoury snacks
· Stationary—pens, notepads, games/cards
Strictly no alcohol, tobacco, cash, candles, jewellery or used/recycled items please
Donations can be dropped off at the following locations and times:
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
To make a financial donation to the CHS & Cambs Youth Panel Christmas Fair Appeal follow this link
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
