Samaritans Purse Christmas shoebox appeal

At St John's & St Mark's Churches each year  we collect and send out Christmas boxes via Samaritans Purse to children around the world. You can find out more by clicking on this link about the work that Samaritans Purse does for children around the world 

https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child

You can donate items for us to include and pack in to shoe boxes that we then get collected by Samaritans Purse. Below is guidance as to the items best suited to go into the boxes. The boxes are separated into ones for Boys and Girls suitable for ages  2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. 

We fill our shoeboxes with a selection of fun toys, school supplies and  personal care items. If possible, we include one or two extra special items  we know a child will love such as a doll, cuddly toy or deflated  football with pump. See our suggestions below for suitable items that can be included.

Please DO NOT include the following items as these will need to be removed.

Toothpaste, sweets, lotions and liquids; used or  damaged items; war-related items (e.g. toy guns, model soldiers,  military vehicles etc.); seeds, gum, chocolate or food items; religious  or political literature; medicines, aerosol cans, knives, sharp or  fragile items. 

Suggestions for items that can be included.

Special item

Include a special toy that will capture a child's attention as soon as they open the box. Ideas include: 

• Cuddly toy
• Football and pump
• Toy truck
• Doll
• Musical instrument

Toys

• Toy cars
• Animal figures
• Building blocks
• Skipping rope
• Tennis ball
• Yo-yo
• Spinning top
• Mini frisbee
• Fidget spinner
• Finger puppets
• Slinky
• Travel games
• Small musical instruments
• Small puzzles etc.

School Supplies  

• Pens
• Pencils & sharpeners
• Crayons
• Felt tip pens
• Ruler
• Eraser
• Writing pads or notebook
• Solar calculators
• Geometry set
• Glue stick
• Pre-inked Stampers
• Colouring books
• Watercolour paint set (solid only)
• Safety scissors 
• Craft kits

Personal Care items

• Comb
• Hairbrush
• Toothbrush
• Flannel
• Bar soap (packaged and/or in a container)
• Sponge
• Reusable  plastic containers: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged  utensils (Fill an empty container with non-liquid items such as  sunglasses or flannel to make use of the space)
• Non-liquid lip balm
• Nail clippers and file
• Stick deodorant
• Compact mirror

Other items

• Hat
• Gloves 
• Sunglasses
• Cap
• T-shirt
• Socks
• Flip-flops
• Small backpack, handbag or drawstring bag
• Hair bows or clips
• Friendship bracelets (woven with yarn or embroidery thread)
• Watch
• Wind-up Torch
• Necklace or bracelet
• Stickers 
• A personal note and photo