Blythswood Shoe Box Appeal


Each year we prepare shoe boxes of gifts for distribution by Blythswood Care. During the weeks leading up to the collection date, we suggest items which you may wish to donate week by week. The boxes are made up and collected from us in early November.

2010 Appeal

Thank you to all who contributed in any way to
make 2010’s Blythswood Shoebox Appeal such a success. Over 137 boxes were sent to Romania or Moldova from the Logie & St John's congregation.


In addition to gifts in kind, cash donations of over £200 were given, some of this money having been used to buy items we ran short of and some added to the portion of the Harvest donations which went to fund the transport costs of our boxes.  A final thank you to all who helped with box-checking in our role as a Blythswood collection/transportation Depot for the west end of Dundee.

Please pray on for the work of Blythswood, that the Christian literature enclosed with each box would speak to each recipient and bring them to know and trust in Jesus as
Lord & Saviour.

2011 Appeal

This year we will run a central collection of individual items, and will have a Blythswood Box Day to wrap, pack and check our own boxes.

We are also encouraging people to think of taking an alternative approach:
  • How about filling a box for the age & gender of each child in your family?
  • If you are a grandparent, perhaps you could think of what a child the same age as your grandchild might like, and fill a box accordingly?
  • If you are an aunt or uncle - think about your niece or nephew
  • If you have friends with children, think of a suitable box for them
  • Or, just fill a box you'd like to receive yourself!
We also have our usual weekly "wish list" below, you can donate items any week, at the boxes at each door.

Current costs for transporting boxes are approximately £2.50 per box, there will be an opportunity to give money towards transport costs.

Finally, we will also need wrapped shoeboxes, not overly large or very small - check the video below for how to wrap your box.

   

Tips & Suggestions

In the light of our own past experience, and general feedback from Blythswood, here are a few hints on gathering items:

  • Collect STANDARD size adult shoe boxes (not oversized trainer or boots boxes, nor very small children shoe boxes), and cover the box and lid separately with Christmas paper (see below).

  • Think of one age group, and consider donating consistently for that age. Boxes are made up for children aged 3 & above, plus teenagers, men, women & elderly women.

  • Buy 250ml shampoo bottles that will easily fit into a standard size shoe box, and sellotape down the lid, to avoid spillage.

  • Buy small or bendable notebooks / colouring books which will fit into a shoe box easily.

  • Check the "best before" dates on sweets carefully (for 2011 collection, must be March 2012 or later), and remember that chocolate in any form is not allowed. Sweets must be contained within packaging showing the date - no individual lollipops or split multipacks.

  • If you want to give additional items check the full list on www.blythswood.org

Think of the joy these gifts bring to the recipients, giving thanks that we here have so much and are able to give.

Suggested week by week donations (2011)

This is just a guide to help you, all donations are welcome at any time.

Collection boxes are by the church doors.

14 August - Bar of soap and a face cloth together
21 August - Shampoo (250/330 ml) and brush/comb
28 August - Plain or coloured pencils, pens, sharpeners, rules & rubbers or sets in pencil cases
4 September - Toothpaste and toothbrush to go with it
11 September - Small notepads, small colouring books (to fit into standard shoe box), small toy (new)
18 September - Roll on deodorant for men/women, shaving foam with razors
25 September - New socks/tights & pants for girls, teenagers & women (including elderly)
2 October - New socks & pants for boys, teenagers & men
9 October - Hats, scarves & gloves for boys, teenagers & men
16 October - Hats, scarves & gloves for girls, teenagers & women
23 October - Kitchen utensils & screwdrivers / pliers. Household (not ornamental) candles
30 October - Rolls of sweets, eg fruit gums, werthers. No chocolate. No lollies or loose sweets. Best before date MUST be visible on each item & be March 2012 or later.

NO CLOTHING FOR UNDER 3s PLEASE

Video - how to wrap a shoebox

There are various ways to wrap a shoebox, here's the one we find easiest!