Christmas Shoebox Appeal - people across Ireland called to join in on festive Irish tradition

RTÉ sports broadcaster Jacqui Hurley has called on people across the country to take part in this year's Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal.

The annual shoebox appeal is a beloved Irish tradition, which many of us remember taking part in during primary school, wherein everyone can help give a child a gift this Christmas who are experiencing poverty across Africa and Eastern Europe. 

Jacqui Hurley has asked families, schools, businesses and communities to join Team Hope's efforts this year, saying: "It’s time to find that shoebox and get involved!"

Since 2010, Team Hope has delivered 2.5 million shoeboxes to children living in poverty in countries across Eastern Europe and Africa. The shoeboxes are a way for people to make a direct impact on a child's life this Christmas, through filling them with essential as well as fun items. For many children, they are the only gift they might receive this year. 

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Jacqui Hurley said: "Let’s get together and bring hope and joy to as many children as possible. It’s so easy to get involved and each year this simple act of kindness, filling a shoebox with gifts to bring a smile to a child’s face, lets these children know that they are in the heart and minds of the people of Ireland."

For those interested in getting involved, you can decide who your shoebox will be for - a boy or girl aged between 2 and 14-years-olds. Then, you can think of the 4 W's when it comes to deciding what to put inside in the box:

Something to write with. This can perhaps include copybooks, pens or colouring pencils.   

Something to wear. Here, you could maybe give a hat, scarf and gloves, warm woolly socks or a t-shirt.  

Something to wash with. This could be a lovely bar of wrapped soap, a facecloth, some toothpaste and a toothbrush.     

Something wow.  For this, try to think of a toy or game that will bring a smile to a child’s face – maybe a puzzle, doll, toy car or soft toy.

People are asked to then pop a Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal label on the box after it's wrapped in bright paper and include €5 inside.

Luckily, for those who haven't got any shoeboxes lying around their house, people can buy flat pack boxes in Dealz stores across the country - where they can also drop the boxes off! 

Alternatively, you can build a box online at Team Hope's website.

People are asked to drop off their shoeboxes at the designated drop-off points nationwide by 10 November.