Just imagine, 200,000 children across Africa and Eastern Europe smiling as they each unwrap a shoebox packed with gifts from communities all over Ireland – what could be better? 

Team Hope is calling on parents, children, teachers, families and communities to build-a-box at home or online to help them reach their goal of 200,000 shoeboxes this year – remember, that’s smiles on 200,000 children’s faces in 13 countries across Africa and Eastern Europe.

It has never been easier to build a shoebox. All you have to do is find an empty shoebox, wrap it in Christmas paper and fill it with gifts for a boy or girl aged between 2 and 14, give online or attach a €4 donation and bring it to a local drop off point before the deadline of Tuesday November 8^th – or you can build-a-box online by donating at www.teamhope.ie. One of Team Hope’s local partners will build a box on your behalf on-the-ground and make sure it goes where it’s needed most. 

Wash – Comb, Soap, Sponge, Toothbrush & Toothpaste, Washcloth

Write – Colouring Pencils, Notepad, Writing accessories

Wow – Think of items like musical instruments, puzzles, a ball, a skipping rope, a  soft toy or a toy car.

There are so many benefits to the Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal. It is so important for the child who receives it, both for the joy the physical gifts bring and for them to know that people are thinking about them. There are also benefits for the child that donates. 

Dr. Malie Coyne, a clinical psychologist who specialises in working with children and families said, “Study after study has shown that volunteering improves our mental health. Being kind and showing altruism for others boosts serotonin, which is the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of satisfaction and well-being, a phenomenon also known as a “helper’s high”. It reduces stress, strengthens the immune system and increases happiness. In a world which can often feel topsy-turvy for children, involving your child in creating a shoebox empowers them to make a real and tangible difference in another child's life.”

Team Hope CEO Peter Heaney said, “I’ve seen and heard first-hand the impact that receiving a shoebox can have. A gift of simple things, such as stationery or clothes, can help children in their schooling in countries where these items are difficult for some people to afford. But more than that, receiving a shoebox helps children experience some of that intangible joy that childhood is all about. Families, schools and communities across Ireland have always been so brilliant at getting behind our Appeal and ensuring we get Christmas Shoeboxes to those children who really need them. This year, the need is greater than ever and we appreciate everyone who takes part in the Appeal and can assure them that their donation will bring a smile to a child facing poverty.” 

"Team Hope Shoebox Week runs this year from October 31^st to November 6^th and to get involved you’ll find plenty of inspiration on gifts to include, or not, in your shoebox, how to donate and where to drop off your shoebox at www.teamhope.ie. You can also drop your shoebox off at any Dealz store nationwide. For teachers, there are also lots of class lessons and teaching resources available online. .

Follow Team Hope on Facebook at www.facebook.com/team.hope and Twitter @TeamHopeIreland and Instagram @TeamHopeIreland

#MakeAChildSmile #EveryShoeboxCounts #ChristmasShoeboxAppeal