Stories

Mon, 02 Nov 2026

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 Christmas shoebox appeal launches to help children

A gift-filled shoebox campaign launched for children who would otherwise go without this Christmas.

* A new charity appeal, organized by World Give, aims to provide gift-filled shoeboxes to children in Staffordshire who might otherwise go without a Christmas present.
* The initiative encourages residents to collect empty shoeboxes from supermarkets, fill them with gifts, and return them for distribution to families through schools, charities, and Staffordshire County Council.
* According to statistics, one in seven children in the UK will not receive a formal gift-wrapped Christmas present this year.
* School children have provided feedback on what items should be included in the shoeboxes, prioritizing practical gifts such as pencils, pens, and stationery.
* The appeal comes amid growing levels of hardship in Staffordshire, with one in five parents or carers considering cancelling Christmas due to financial constraints.
* World Give has helped over 100,000 children worldwide through its shoebox program over the past 20 years, but is now focusing on supporting families in Staffordshire.