Christmas Shoe Box Drive
Making sure every child gets to feel the warmth of Christmas cheer.
We are preparing for our Annual St Nicholas Gifts delivery and we need your help. This year, more than ever with all the turmoil in Ukraine the children are in desperate need.
For any child receiving a gift at Christmas time is a joyous occasion. But for a child that never had a gift ever before: this is a gift from heaven. Collecting and packing shoe boxes (or backpacks and bags) starts in September each year.
One way we can help from Canada is by sending love and packages through the help of St Nicholas. Our Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate organizing St Nicholas concerts for the children in villages around Ukraine where they deliver the presents sent through the Bridge of Hope. A number of years ago, we started sending drawstring bags, backpacks and purses filled with gifts instead of the boxes. The children loved the bags which are more useful than a box and can be used all year long.
Pack a Shoe Box (or Backpack)
Donate a filled shoe box/bag/backpack/purse with clothing items, small toys, stationary, crafts, personal effects and sweets along with a $5-7 donation to cover shipping costs.
Here is a helpful video to get you started:
PACKING TIPS:
1. Shoe Box / Backpack
Use a zipper or drawstring bag/backpack/purse, or a shoebox.
2. For a Boy or Girl
Please indicate whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Lightly tape the label to the top of your box.
3. Fill with Gifts & Goodies
Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page. Please also reference the list of items not accepted. Popular gifts include sugar-free chewing gum, pencils, small toys.
4. Include a $7 Donation
Please donate $7 or more for each shoebox you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. Or you can write a check to Bridge of Hope and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoebox, please make one combined donation.
5. Drop Off by September 15
Contact Wanda Kowalchyk for drop-off inquiries at 780-993-0216
Packing List
| Accepted | Not Accepted | |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Care | ✔︎ Chapstick, toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap, comb, washcloth, hair combs, hair accessories, manicure sets, emery boards, band-aids. | (x) Liquids, lotions, shampoo, conditioner, gels, hair gel, aerosol spray (hairspray), medications. |
| School Supplies | ✔︎ Pens, pencils and sharpeners, erasers, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, stickers, watercolours, paint brushes. | |
| Treats | ✔︎ Sugarless chewing gum, chocolates, lollipops. All treats must be individually wrapped. | (x) Mints, bulk candy, loose candy, unwrapped candy. |
| Clothing | ✔︎ Backpacks, socks, scarves, shawls, toques, mitts, hats, tshirts, new underwear, sweaters, pants, nylons, tights, shoes. | |
| Toys | ✔︎ Rubiks cube, small toys, cars, dolls, stuffed animals, foam blocks, skipping rope, slinky, tennis balls, etc. Think about toys that have a long play life, can still be used even if a piece goes missing. | (x) Snowglobes, anything glass, books, playing cards, bubbles, sharp toys, broken toys or with missing parts, anything battery operated, toys that are war/violence related, knives. |
| Other | ✔︎ Anything with the Canadian Flag / maple leaf on it! | (x) Heavy items as they unfortunately increase our shipping costs. |
Buy a Box
Don’t have time to prepare or fill a shoe box? Just make a financial donation of $30 or more to cover the cost of gift preparation and shipping. We will send a bag filled with donations on your behalf. Payment can be made to Bridge of Hope via cash or cheque. Please send/arrange payment to:
Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy
c/o Bridge of Hope Fund
Attn: Mrs. Luba Kowalchyk
9645-108 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5H 1A3
Canada
Questions?
Where will my gifts be delivered?
The Sister Servants hand pick needy children from the areas they serve – these sponsored children will receive shoe boxes, as well as children living in the orphanages that Bridge of Hope supports.
When will the children receive the gifts?
Children will receive their gifts in time for St. Nicholas (Sv. Nikolai). Gifts that do not make it in time for St. Nicholas will be delivered for Easter.
How can I partner with Bridge of Hope in addition to packing a shoe box?
We need volunteers during the month of October to prepare boxes for delivery. For more information, check out our volunteer opportunities page. Also, consider rallying your church, community, workplace, family and friends to get more boxes and bags filled!
What does the $7 cover? Can I send cash?
A donation of $7 or more helps us cover project expenses such as shipping the boxes. We prefer that these donations be made by cash or check. Unfortunately we are not currently set up to take online donations at this time.
If I send more than one box, can I write one check for all of them?
Yes, you may write one check for them all and place it in any one of your boxes.
Can I include a short note or drawing with the gift?
Yes, you can include a short note wishing the child a blessed Christmas, or children may include a drawing if they wish.