The gift of a shoebox that contains toys, toiletries, educational items or household goods is a drop of happiness to the people of Eastern Europe who live in a world of poverty. For many, it will be the first present that they have ever received and it lets them know that somebody, somewhere cares.  If you would like to take part, we would love to hear from you.

Boxes can be filled with:

Toys such as ‘Matchbox’ type toy cars, small bouncy balls, jigsaws, fluffy toys, dolls, colouring books, felt tip pens, Lego, yoyo’s, bubble blow, etc.

The type of contents are indicated on the box top. In the case of toys, additional information as to the suitability for boy or girl, along with age group is also indicated. A card with the senders name and address, along with a photograph is also a nice thing to include.

Teenagers- Please remember boxes for teenage boys and girls up to the age of 18. Such as: make-up, toiletries, sportswear, scarf, gloves, hat, writing materials, deodorants, comb, mirror, football memorabilia, etc

Household Goods such as hand soap, toothpaste and brushes, envelopes, letter paper, biro pens, etc.
Toys are especially appreciated, since these boxes can be used for birthday gifts.
This box is also good for older folk, especially if a warm scarf or a pair of gloves is included.

Please do not mix the contents of the boxes since this makes distribution difficult.

Above all, the contents should be of good quality, remembering that the recipient will be opening the box in eager anticipation, and especially with the toys for the children, quite possibly the first real gifts they have received for a very long time.

Shoe Box Update

Debbie accompanied by Jan Blankenstein met Gareth Hughes and his wife in terrible weather conditions in a coffee shop on the way to Bath Race Course. Gareth is a volounteer driver who takes the shoeboxes to Eastern Europewhich are delivered in time for Christmas to Romania.   “I felt very proud as we handed over our 50 boxes, which were filled to the brim and this achieved by our very own eClub”. “Listening to Gareth’s stories brought tears to my eyes and made me realise why I want to be involved with Rotary and all the good work Rotary achieves. We all get involved in our busy lives but to think what one shoebox can bring to someone’s life is humbling”.

For more information about the marvellous work managed by Rotary visit the Shoe Box website