Guidance and resources to help your church make the most of the Christmas Box Appeal
Thank you for your interest in the Christmas Box Appeal. Whether you are simply thinking about joining in, or your church has already committed to supporting the appeal, hopefully you will find all the information you need to make a decision or get started here.
Please get in touch if you have any questions: christmas@houseofopportunity.org or 01722 580192.
Can my church join the appeal?
We would love to have your church involved! Our logistics coverage is mainly limited to Southern England, South & West London, the West Midlands and South Wales. If you are northeast of the M40, west of the M5 or east of the M/A23, please do get in touch and we’ll discuss how your church might be able to join in with this year’s appeal.
There are two different ways that churches can take part in the appeal, and a number of churches are now adopting the second approach, which offers an opportunity for memberships to work together on a common project, and opens possibilities for community engagement through inviting folk from outside the church to take part too.
Take a look at the options below and decide which you think will be best for your church. You can then use the sign-up form to register for this year’s appeal. Thank you!
Deadline for all boxes to get to us in Salisbury this year is Friday 22nd November, but we can make specific arrangements to collect from your organisation during the two weeks before this date.
OPTION 1:
Individuals make boxes at home.
This is the standard way of making boxes. The process usually looks something like:
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Your church confirms its support for this year’s Christmas box appeal.
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Individuals or families take home a leaflet each, containing instructions on how to make a box and make a donation for its shipping, along with ideas and suggestions of what to put in the box. Leaflets can be downloaded and printed, or e-mailed. Alternatively, you can order full-size leaflets from us.
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Boxes are bought in by a deadline date fixed by participating org and House of Opportunity (typically mid-November) or
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House of Opportunity may be able to collect your boxes.
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Boxes are checked & packed for shipping and…
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Distributions normally take place in SE Europe in December.
OPTION 2:
Collective approach.
This way offers the chance for people in your church to collaborate in making up and donating Christmas boxes.
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After initial approach to/from House of Opportunity your church agrees to support campaign.
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Individuals take home lists of items to purchase for boxes and can then buy and donate items in bulk, such as:
Sweets
Small toys
Balls
Jigsaws
Small “Loom” kits
Combs & hair accessories
Pens/pencils/cases
Colouring books
Sticker books
Toothpaste/brushes
Soap/facecloths
Gloves/Hats/Scarves
Buying items in bulk will be cheaper and less time intensive. In addition, empty shoeboxes will need to be sourced (max size 395mm long x 240mm wide x 118mm deep).
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Items are brought into church and a time set for participants to “make up” the boxes from the donated items. This can take the form of time slots being set for departments to come in during a designated day for a “making session”, following process and guidance supplied by us. (see Resources, below).
Things to consider when preparing boxes:
Variety Add in warm things to wear, practical items, tasty treats, fun items (content suggestions).
Condition New or nearly new in good, working order
Quality Ask yourself, “would I be happy to receive this box..?” All boxes are opened and checked, and unsuitable contents are removed.
Category: We always need more boxes for older boys and men! -
Boxes are bought in by a deadline date fixed by participating org and House of Opportunity (typically mid-November) or
-
We may be able to collect your boxes.
-
Boxes are checked & packed for shipping and…
-
Distributions normally take place in SE Europe in December.
Resources
Downloadable templates and materials to support OPTION 2.
Participated before?
Download 1: A combined note and list (A5) for participants that you can edit and print to suit.
Change dates and add other information to suit your timetable.
The template varies the list of items a little, so try and give out equal numbers of each list. Hopefully this will help to get an even spread of suitable items.
You can always copy and paste if you want to save paper and send out via e-mail.
Note & list
Download 2: Cover letter to go with the list above.
Cover letter
New to our Christmas Box Appeal?
Download 1: A combined note and list (A5) for participants that you can edit and print to suit.
Change dates and add other information to suit your timetable.
The template varies the list of items a little, so try and give out equal numbers of each list. Hopefully this will help to get an even spread of suitable items.
You can always copy and paste if you want to save paper and send out via e-mail.
Note & list
Download 2: Cover letter to go with the list above.
Cover letter
