About the chosen Local Charity
The Dublin Charity Shoeboxes to be returned by Friday 9th December.
The current negative economic environment has plunged many Irish families into financial distress. Nowhere is this more true than in areas of longstanding social disadvantage. There are several such areas on the North side of Dublin City where existing services and social supports are now stretched beyond their limits. In recognition of this fact, Belgrove Junior Boys school is going to direct half of the Christmas boxes, kindly assembled by parents, to a local charity. The chosen charity is the largest of it’s kind in the country and caters for preschool children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The centre provides a secure, nurturing and learning environment for children during the vital developmental years (10 weeks to 5 years old). Many of the children have suffered circumstantial trauma or are simply enduring the effects of family life on the poverty line. Parents are provided the chance to work or train while their children are cared for.
The charity are desperate for funding and are absolutely thrilled with the prospect of additional Christmas ‘treasure boxes’ which are currently provided by a charitable trust for many of the families but which they would like to provide for many more.
About the Boxes
As in the case of ‘Project Hope‘ the shoeboxes should be covered in christmas paper but not sealed. The centre have asked for boxes to suit ages 1 to 3 with an even mix of boys and girls. A typical box might contain: A book, A small toy/game, An item of clothing (hat, scarf, gloves), A small packet of sweets.
They have requested that no battery operated toys should be included due to the extra cost commitment to families. Also – that the toys etc. are definitely age appropriate as no item that is listed unsuitable for children under 3 could be given out to the 1-3 group by the centre.
Other suggestions/ideas: cars, dolls, musical instruments, bubbles, arts and crafts, tiara’s, wands, dress-up items, play tea sets, dinosaurs/animals, small balls, stickers, Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam and Fairy princesses are apparently a big hit every year.
The boxes will be presented to the children as little extra ‘treasure boxes’ from family and friends rather than from Santa because, as we all know, Santa Claus will be visiting every child’s home this year, wherever they live!
Parents Association