It is over 25 years since the Cooke family originated the idea of the ‘Christmas Shoebox’, asking children in the UK to fill shoeboxes with stocking fillers for Romanian orphans. In 2015, we celebrated the 25th Anniversary and returned to Cluj-Napoca, Romania to re-visit Dave’s original partner from 1990 Liviu Balas, and brought shoeboxes to the marginalised communities there. The current need is still extraordinary and the power of the shoebox has never faded.

Please be a part of this ongoing story that is continuing to impact and change lives by donating a shoebox to this year’s appeal!

Donate a shoebox today by following our step by step guide

Your shoebox will be given to a vulnerable child, or family, through schools, nurseries, hospitals and orphanages. Our aim is that each box is given in relationship with the local community as part of a long-term commitment to these children. This includes financing pre-school programmes to support their education and development.