Thousands of shoeboxes have been filled and donated across the city to provide Christmas cheer to those in need.

After a mammoth effort from schools, pubs, businesses, individuals, sports teams, and community groups throughout Sheffield, the drop-off points closed yesterday with 500 boxes short.

But thanks to volunteers at the eleventh hour, enough boxes have been assembled to hit the target.

The Sheffield Shoebox Appeal is run by a small team of four.

One of the coordinators, Christine Sexton, said: “Lots of charities have been collecting Christmas boxes for children, but nobody ever does it for adults.

“For some people, it’s the only present they will open all year, so it’s great that we get to give so many out.”

The appeal partners with charities across the city like Ben’s Centre, Vida, Women’s Aid and more to ensure the boxes reach those in need.

Ben’s Centre, a charity that supports individuals struggling with substance misuse, has been receiving shoeboxes from the organisation since they started in 2013.

Daryl Bishop, CEO of Ben’s Centre, said: “I find it really touching when they receive a really nice thought out box – sometimes families will add signed cards after doing it as a family, it’s just really moving when there’s a bit of that human touch.

“We had this incredible box once where somebody had sent in a rubix cube with a handwritten note to tell them exactly how to solve it which must’ve been really complex but it’s amazing that somebody actually took the time to do that.” 

The boxes typically include essentials like socks, hats, activity books, water bottles, and festive treats.

Christine said: “We always try to encourage people to make the box more personalised, it’s always nice to include things they can decorate rooms with, such as picture frames and decorative plants.”

This year, Ben’s Centre launched a ‘Christmas Cheer Appeal’, raising enough funds for each client to receive a Love to Shop voucher.

The organisation said they are deeply grateful for every donation, small or large, knowing that each one helps to make the holiday season a little brighter for someone in need.

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