Firstly, we want to say a big Thank You to everyone who donated a Shoe Box last year.  Your donations really do make a huge difference to the lives of our residents and how they see themselves in the world. It is often quite emotional when the boxes are given out because our residents are so touched that a complete stranger has gone to so much trouble just for them and it makes them feel valued, so thank you.

We are very pleased to announce that we are running our Shoe Box Appeal again this Christmas to ensure all our residents in our Community Support Services have a gift under the tree this Christmas.   

Now in its third year, our Shoe Box Appeal invites individuals, businesses and community groups to put together and donate shoe boxes filled with a range of Christmas gifts. This year, we are encouraging donations of gender-neutral presents so we can provide gifts to as many of our residents as possible. As with previous years any surplus boxes will be distributed to other community groups and charities in Cambridgeshire who support vulnerable people.

Last year we used some of the funds raised to buy Christmas-themed pyjamas for residents at a couple of our services – this turned into a real bonding experience and is something we would love to replicate this year and would welcome any donations of pyjamas (medium size)

What to do

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1. Wrap a box with Christmas paper or use a gift bag

2. Fill it with a variety of different items from the suggestion list

3. Include a card and message (optional)

4. Gender neutral gifts are preferred but please label the box if gender specific, leaving the box/gift bag unsealed

5. Drop the box off at any of our drop off locations

6. Or make a donation and we will make up a box for you 

www.justgiving.com/campaign/CHS-Shoe-Box-Appeal

Suggestions list

New/unopened toiletries—toothbrushes/paste, shampoo/conditioner, shower gel, hair gel, nail polish;  Clothing— hats, scarf, gloves, socks, underwear, pyjamas; Food—chocolate/sweets, biscuits; Stationary—pens, notepads;  Gift cards—supermarket or coffee shops; Strictly no alcohol, tobacco or cash please

We have a number of drop off sites throughout Cambridgeshire

Drop offs from Monday 18th October — Friday 10th December

Cambridge

Head Office – Endurance House, Chivers Way Histon CB24 9ZR Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday (not Thursday) 9am-12pm and 2pm – 5pm (please avoid 12pm-2pm)

Railway House – 128 Mill Road Cambridge CB1 2BQ Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm

Russell Street – 82 Russell Street Cambridge CB2 1HU Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm

Ely

Wheatsheaf Close – 1 Wheatsheaf Close Ely CB6 3YJ Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm

Wisbech

204 – 204 Norwich Road Wisbech PE13 3TD Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm

Fenland Young People’s Service – The Staithe, Holmes Drive Wisbech P13 3TJ Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm

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All staff accepting the shoe boxes will be wearing PPE and we ask you to leave the box at the door and kindly step back before the member of staff collects the box.  It will then be stored securely at the service for 72 hours before distributing to other local Supported Housing services.

If you would like to donate a £5 Pay It Forward gift voucher to one of our residents please visit http://www.pifgiftvouchers.org/ to find out more about this very worthwhile scheme.

For more information please email kristina.cairns@chsgroup.org.uk