The Team Hope Shoebox Appeal asks families, schools and community groups across Ireland to put together gift-filled shoeboxes to children affected by poverty in Eastern Europe and Africa.

The Shoebox Appeal is a great activity to bring the family together as it encourages children to gift to other children less fortunate and brings so much joy to children who may not not otherwise experience it this Christmas.

2019 is a landmark year for Team Hope as it celebrates 10 years of the Appeal and is on the cusp of delivering its 2 millionth shoebox!

The Shoebox Appeal deadline is coming up on 8th November and this week will be an amazing time to put a Shoebox together with your friends and family .

Getting involved with Team Hope’s Christmas Shoebox Appeal is simple.

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, attach €4 and bring it to a local drop off point before Friday, November 8^th.

When considering items that are best to gift, think of the 4W’s:

· Write – pen, pencil, copybook, paper, colouring book, felt pens, sharpener, eraser, solar calculator (these children have no access to batteries).

· Wash– toothbrush and toothpaste, soap (wrapped), facecloth, hairbrush, comb.

· Wear – a hat, scarf, gloves, socks or underwear.

· Wow – sunglasses, games, small Irish gift, a photo of yourself, sweets (must be in date until at least April 2020), make up, a small musical instrument, toys like a doll, a car, cuddly toy, skipping rope, yo-yo or finger puppet.

There are a number of drop off points in various counties, including all Dealz, Axa, FastFit/FirstStop branches and Toymaster stores. To find your nearest drop-off point, visit http://www.teamhope.ie.

Also, for more information on how to get involved and for ideas and inspiration of what to include in your Shoebox, visit teamhope.ie #InspiringTeamwork #EveryBoxCounts’