View the photos from Santa's deliveries in 2024 in our Gallery
What exactly is the Shoebox Appeal?
Ways to get involved
There are many ways to help out. By making your own shoebox gifts, volunteering as a driver to help with collections, or help with packing the shoeboxes onto the lorry at Potto. You could also co-ordinate a local appeal in your area through your church, school, business or with friends & family, or by simply spreading the word about the appeal.
We will have new leaflets, booklets and posters available at a later date. Please contact us to let us know you're interest and we'll get back in touch when these become available.
Highlights from the 2023 Christmas Appeal
In 2023, we delivered over 4,000 beautifully decorated shoeboxes to Romania! Download our booklet to see the success of 2023's appeal.
"Thank you to everyone that helped make last year's appeal a success!"
How to pack your shoebox:
- Order this years shoebox leaflet from us
- Get a strong shoebox
- Wrap the lid and box separately with Christmas paper
- Fill with gifts of your choice for your chosen age and gender
- Seal the box securely with elastic bands
- Complete a shoebox label (part of the leaflet) and attach to the lid of the box
- Include the £2 donation needed to help cover delivery
- Ensure your shoebox is collected or dropped off before the 15th November 2024
Ideas for what to include:
- Small toys & gifts
- Sweets
- Toiletries and personal care items
- Gloves, scarfs & hats
- Socks & tights
- Hair accessories or jewellery
- Small teddy bear
- Notebook and pens or pencils
- Colouring book
- Games, playing cards & puzzles
- Balloons or stickers
- A Christmas card or note
What not to include:
- Chocolate, dairy or meat
- Medicines or medicinal goods
- Liquids or anything that could spill
- Sanitary products or underwear
- Gifts passed their Use By Date
- Second-hand toys or goods
- Sharp or fragile items
- Money