To cure, sometimes; To help, often; To comfort, always.
This year’s campaign is complete, thank you for helping us make a real difference!
For 35 years, Children in Distress has been bringing hope and happiness to children facing hardship through our annual Love in a Box Shoebox Appeal.
Every Christmas, a beautifully decorated box filled with love, essentials and little surprises, brings joy around the world to children in need in Romania. Thanks to the kindness of our supporters, last year we delivered over 5,000 shoeboxes to children, teenagers and older adults.
This year’s Christmas shoeboxes have now been collected and are on their way to Romania by lorry. Thank you to everyone who packed a box, donated gifts, or supported this year’s Love in a Box campaign, your help truly makes a difference and is greatly appreciated.
We’ll share an update in the New Year once Father Christmas has delivered the gifts across Romania, including photos from our teams and supporters in both the UK and Romania.
Ways to get involved
There are many ways to help out. By making your own shoebox gifts, volunteering as a driver to help with collections, or help with packing the shoeboxes onto the lorry at Potto. You could also co-ordinate a local appeal in your area through your church, school, business or with friends & family, or by simply spreading the word about the appeal.
Download Your Materials:
How to pack your shoebox:
- Order this year's shoebox leaflet from us
- Get a strong shoebox
- Wrap the lid and box separately with Christmas paper
- Fill with gifts of your choice for your chosen age and gender
- Seal the box securely with elastic bands
- Complete a shoebox label (part of the leaflet) and attach to the lid of the box
- Include the £3 donation needed to help cover delivery
- Ensure your shoebox is collected or dropped off before the 14th November 2025
Ideas for what to include:
Ages 0-3:
Soft toys, Board books / cloth books, Teething toys / baby-safe rattles, Baby hats, mittens, socks (new or handmade), Baby toiletries Plastic feeding spoon, soft bibs
Ages 4-8:
Colouring/sticker books, Small toys or puzzles, Fun accessories, Warm hats/gloves, Sweet treats
Ages 9-12
Stationery, Toiletries, Small games/toys, Water bottles, keyrings Sweet treats
Teenagers
Notebooks & pens, Toiletries, Warm socks/gloves, Travel games/cards, Tote bags, or bottles
Older Adults
Fleece blankets, Mugs or sturdy plates, Tea towels/pot holders, Toiletries & hot drinks Cards or small decorations Shopping bags (including chocolate and biscuits, in sealed packs and with long sell by dates)
What not to include:
- Sharp objects, toy weapons, war-related toys
- Liquids, nail polish, makeup
- Used items or anything easily broken
- Photographs or personal contact details
- Loose sweets