“500 SMILES” Christmas Shoeboxes

Since 2018, St. John’s has been running a Christmas shoebox project that sends gifts to disadvantaged, poverty stricken children in central Transylvania. In 2023 we are determined to make this happen once again and as such are asking for your help.

To be honest, “500 smiles” has always been an initial goal, but our goal is to ensure that when the boxes come in and they’re counted, we’re able to give far more smiles than that once again this Christmas.

This short film explains the importance of the project to the local community, and shows the boxes being distributed.

CHRISTMAS 2023 SHOEBOX appeal

We are delighted to be running our “500 Smiles” campaign once again this year. PLEASE SUPPORT US – these children need you! We are asking you to partner with us in helping to make Christmas 2023 as special as in can be. The looks of joy, wonder and sheer delight on the faces of the children who receive shoeboxes is almost impossible to describe, so please stand with us and commit to being part of something special.

Getting your shoebox

The shoeboxes are now available to collect from St John’s Church. However, if you are a school, please let us know how many boxes you would like and WE WILL DELIVER THEM TO YOU. If you would like some ideas as to what to pack in the box please CLICK HERE: Shoeboxes-with-dates for a packing list and also a LABEL to attach to your box.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL BOXES WILL NEED TO BE BACK AT SJC BY 12th NOVEMBER, SO THEY CAN BE PREPARED FOR SENDING, IN LINE WITH CURRENT EU GUIDELINES

Who do we contact?

If you would like more information, please contact the church office on 01206 843232 or email office@stjohnscolchester.org.uk