26,955 Christmas shoeboxes for children generated in Kildare over last three years

Locals in Kildare have generated 26,955 Christmas shoebox gifts for children affected by poverty over the last three years and helped the Team Hope charity pass the 3million mark nationally in time for Christmas.

Since 2010, Team Hope has delivered over 2.8million shoebox gifts from Ireland to countries across Africa and Eastern Europe and will ship off its three-millionth in the coming weeks.

The charity’s figures show that in the last three years, donors in Kildare have created almost 27,000 gifts and there is still time to increase that total with drop-off points still open around the county.

Everyone in Kildare is urged to continue the effort and filled shoeboxes can be dropped off until November 15 at these locations in Kildare and nationwide: teamhope.ie/christmas-shoebox-appeal/drop-off-points

“The support we have received from the people of Kildare since 2010 has been incredible,” said Team Hope CEO, Deborah Lowry.

“But there’s always a need for more shoeboxes so it would be great if schools, parents, businesses and community groups across the county can come together for one last push to create their own. They are often packed by children for children and carry not only toys and treats but also the invisible gifts of love and hope. That kindness, travelling across oceans, reminds a child that they are not forgotten – that someone, somewhere cares about them.”

Donors, if they prefer, can choose to send a personalised €25 shoebox online through Team Hope’s website, right up until Christmas Eve. 

To get involved, see www.teamhope.ie

Surpassing the magical 3million shoebox mark ties in with the charity’s 15^th anniversary of bringing happiness to children in some of the poorest parts of the world, many of whom have never experienced the joy of Christmas.

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