Fill a shoebox for the kids is back collecting for 2018
Fill a Shoebox was a great success last year and organisers are hoping enough local residents and businesses will be able to fill 1500 boxes and give many families of limited means a great Christmas.
The project began with the Horowhenua Strengthening Families Network in 2014 that supported families facing difficulty buying presents to put under the Christmas tree. In 2017 Fill a Shoebox was launched, inviting the community and businesses to put together boxes full of things the recipients wouldn’t usually receive. Last year the project organisers gave away 1000 shoes boxes to children 0-15 years, living between O¯ taki and Tokomaru.
Over the past four years they say the contribution from local organisations, business, education sector and individuals has been overwhelming. The goal for this year is 1500 boxes.
Organisers would like the boxes to contain a sunhat, piece of clothing, toy, treat, activity and a book for a child of certain age and gender. For the teenagers’ boxes they are asking people to use their initiative as to what would be better for them. The boxes can be filled to the brim if you wish to add more goodies for the children. It’s all about giving the children a special box of goodies they wouldn’t otherwise get.
“There is a lot of poverty in our community and this is our way of trying to help make Christmas special for the children.”
This year organisers are filling ‘premade boxes’ instead of shoeboxes, so no more wrapping boxes. So if you would like a set of boxes for your business or organisation (or just yourself) please let them know how many you need.
If you wish to fundraise and donate instead, that also will help them to fill shoeboxes.
For more information contact Therase Apatu on 0296501749 or see the Fill A Shoebox Horowhenua Facebook page.