The Rotary Shoebox Appeal is a heart-warming initiative run by Verwood Rotary Club and other Rotary Clubs across the UK and beyond, aiming to bring joy to disadvantaged children, families, and elderly individuals in Eastern Europe.
Every year, thousands of shoeboxes filled with essential items, toys, school supplies, and gifts are sent to those in need, helping to brighten lives, especially around Christmas time.
Our local schools all participate.
Rotary Verwood invites our five local schools, along with several local churches and individuals, to participate. Children from Trinity First, Emmanuel, Verwood First, Hillside, and Cranborne are asked to fill a shoebox with presents suitable for children in four separate age ranges (1-3 years, 4-7, 8-11, and 12-15).
The boxes are collected, sorted and delivered to a local depot ready for dispatch to underprivileged children across Eastern Europe. The 2024 appeal resulted in the distribution of over 20,000 shoeboxes to Montenegro, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine.
The Purpose of the Appeal
The Shoebox Appeal was established to support vulnerable people in countries such as Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine, where poverty and hardship are widespread. Many recipients live in orphanages, care homes, or struggling communities where even basic necessities are scarce. The initiative ensures that these individuals receive a thoughtful package filled with useful and enjoyable items, showing them that they are not forgotten.
How the Shoebox Appeal Works
The process is simple but impactful:
1. Filling a Shoebox
Donors collect an empty shoebox (provided by Rotary or their local community) and fill it with suitable gifts based on specific categories, including:
– Toys & Games– Small dolls, cars, puzzles, balls, crayons, and coloring books.
– School Supplies– Pens, pencils, notebooks, rulers, and erasers.
– Toiletries– Soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and flannels.
– Household Items – Candles, gloves, socks, and small kitchen items.
– Gifts for the Elderly – Warm scarves, reading glasses, and treats such as chocolate or biscuits.
2. Collecting & Sorting
Rotary Clubs, like Verwood, coordinate local collection points, often partnering with schools, churches, businesses, and community groups to gather donations. Volunteers then check and sort the boxes to ensure they meet customs regulations and are appropriate for recipients.
3. Delivery to Eastern Europe
Once ready, the shoeboxes are transported to their destination, where they are distributed to children and families by trusted local charities and organisations.
Who Benefits from the Shoebox Appeal?
The Shoebox Appeal primarily supports:
Children in orphanages and schools – Many have little to no personal belongings, so these gifts bring immense joy.
Families living in extreme poverty – Essentials like toiletries and warm clothing can make a big difference.
Elderly individuals in care homes – Many receive no visitors or gifts, so a shoebox filled with thoughtful items can be deeply meaningful.
Hospital patients– Shoeboxes are also distributed in hospitals to bring comfort to those undergoing medical treatment.
How to Get Involved
Anyone can take part in the Shoebox Appeal! Whether as an individual, a school, a workplace, or a community group, contributing to this cause is simple and rewarding. Here’s how you can help:
Donate a filled shoebox – Pick up an official Rotary shoebox and fill it with appropriate gifts.
Make a financial donation – Funds help cover transport costs and ensure more shoeboxes reach those in need.
Volunteer– Rotary Clubs always need extra hands for sorting and packing.
The Impact of the Shoebox Appeal
Since its launch, the Rotary Shoebox Appeal has delivered hundreds of thousands of shoeboxes to those in need, spreading kindness and generosity across borders. For many recipients, it is the only gift they receive all year, making it a powerful reminder of the compassion and goodwill shared by communities worldwide.
This initiative truly embodies Rotary’s motto: “Service Above Self.” By taking part in the Shoebox Appeal, donors not only provide practical support but also bring smiles, hope, and happiness to those facing hardship.
Would you like to participate in this year’s Shoebox Appeal? Contact us at Verwood Rotary Club for details.