View your impact from our
2024 Shoebox Appeal here!
For 35 years, Children in Distress has been bringing hope and happiness to children facing hardship through our annual Love in a Box Shoebox Appeal.
Every Christmas, a beautifully decorated box filled with love, essentials and little surprises, brings joy around the world to children in need in Romania. Thanks to the kindness of our supporters, last year we delivered over 5,000 shoeboxes to children, teenagers and older adults.
We also helped many families celebrate Christmas through our Gifts from the Heart initiative. As we head into our 36th year of the Shoebox Appeal, we’re calling on you, our incredible supporters, to help us continue this tradition of compassion and giving.
Together, we can continue to deliver smiles, hope and the magic of Christmas to those who need it most.
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.
Download Your Materials:
How to pack your shoebox:
- Order this year's 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 £3 donation needed to help cover delivery
- Ensure your shoebox is collected or dropped off before the 14th November 2025
Ideas for what to include:
Ages 0-3:
Soft toys, Board books / cloth books, Teething toys / baby-safe rattles, Baby hats, mittens, socks (new or handmade), Baby toiletries Plastic feeding spoon, soft bibs
Ages 4-8:
Colouring/sticker books, Small toys or puzzles, Fun accessories, Warm hats/gloves, Sweet treats
Ages 9-12
Stationery, Toiletries, Small games/toys, Water bottles, keyrings Sweet treats
Teenagers
Notebooks & pens, Toiletries, Warm socks/gloves, Travel games/cards, Tote bags, or bottles
Older Adults
Fleece blankets, Mugs or sturdy plates, Tea towels/pot holders, Toiletries & hot drinks Cards or small decorations Shopping bags (including chocolate and biscuits, in sealed packs and with long sell by dates)
What not to include:
- Sharp objects, toy weapons, war-related toys
- Liquids, nail polish, makeup
- Used items or anything easily broken
- Photographs or personal contact details
- Loose sweets