Fill a shoebox with Christmas cheer for kids

The annual Fill a Shoebox project is again hoping to bring festive cheer to children who may have otherwise missed out this Christmas.

The project, which is a partnership between Oranga Tamariki and Horowhenua District Council and NZ Police, calls for local businesses, organisations and residents to support families facing difficulty affording Christmas presents for their children by filling a shoebox with gifts.

These could include items such as toys, books, sweet treats, toothbrushes, and colouring-in and craft equipment.

Organiser Therese Apatu said this year the project aimed to provide around 1500 shoeboxes to children in the district.

Last year it distributed 1000. Ms Apatu said the project was ready to start collecting names of businesses or individuals who would like to fill a shoebox for a child, as well as names of children who could receive one.

Previously, the initiative has been well supported and last year several colleges and schools got involved, Levin Menz Shed made toys, and businesses or organisations such as Contact Energy, MASH Trust and The Warehouse filled many boxes.

The shoeboxes were brightly wrapped and distributed to young people aged up to 15.

Ms Apatu said that this year, the project wanted to include some item guidelines.

“We are asking people to choose age and gender and put a sun hat, toy, treat, activity, piece of clothing and book as the minimum but we welcome those who wish to fill the box with extras,” she said.

■ For more information or to help, phone 0273756480, visit www.facebook.com/christmasforeveryone, email shoeboxhorowhenua@gmail.com.