‘Box up’ Christmas for needy children

Christmas shoeboxes bring smiles to youngsters in a refugee camp last year

Rochdale residents are being encouraged to fill shoeboxes with toys, stationery, small clothing and hygiene items which will be sent to children living in refugee camps, orphanages and impoverished neighbourhoods.

Regus in Rochdale is opening its doors in support of Operation Christmas Child, the campaign that sends present-filled shoeboxes to deprived children in developing and war torn countries around the world.

The Regus centre in the town will be a local drop off point from 2 - 18 November for the 2015 appeal operated by international relief charity the Samaritan’s Purse.

Richard Morris, UK chief executive at Regus, said: “We’re delighted to support this very worthy cause which brightens up Christmas time for disadvantaged children, including those caught up in the Syrian crisis and those living in refugee camps. Local businesses, schools and individuals are encouraged to get involved and donate their shoeboxes at any of our centres.”

Boxes can be dropped off at the Regus centre at Dane Street from the 2 - 18 November on weekdays between 8.30am – 6.00pm.

How to pack your Christmas shoebox:

• Remember to make your box both fun and educational! All shoebox items should be new and can contain gifts such as:
• Toys: cuddly toy, tennis ball, finger puppet, jigsaw, yo-yo, skipping rope, small musical instrument. For boys: toy trucks and cars and for girls: dolls, hair accessories but no war-related items.
• Educational supplies: pens, pencils, pencil sharpener, eraser, colouring book, notepad, picture or puzzle book, stickers.
• Hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, comb, hair clips, bar of soap, flannel, but no liquids.
• Other items: sweets except chocolate and biscuits (sell by date before March 2016), gloves, scarf, cap, warm hat. No sharp or easily breakable items