’We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’

Join Our “Christmas in a Shoebox” Charity

Campaign 28 November and 8 December 2025

Dear Parents and Guardians, Teachers and All Staff Members,

As the festive season approaches, we are once again taking part in the Christmas in a Shoebox (Weihnachtspäckchen für Kinder in Not) charity campaign — a wonderful initiative that brings joy to children who might not otherwise receive a Christmas gift.

Kinderzukunft is an established organization in Germany and it supports around 70,000 children in need in countries such as Romania, Bosnia Herzegovina, and the Ukraine. The packages are distributed to orphanages, hospitals, schools, and poor families. For some of these children, this present will be the only one they receive for Christmas.

We invite all families to take part by filling a shoebox with small presents — such as toys, school supplies, warm clothing accessories, or hygiene items — suitable for a child of your chosen age group. Every box collected will go to a child in need, spreading kindness and hope this Christmas.

How to Pack a Shoebox?

See link : https://www.kinderzukunft.de/wp-content/uploads/2025_WPA-Flyer.pdf

1. Get an empty medium sized shoebox (maximum size: 37,5 x 30,0 x 13,5 cm) and fill it with a selection of fun toys, hygiene items and school supplies. If possible, include one or two special items you know a child will love such as a doll, toy trucks or a cuddly toy.
If you don’t have a shoebox, you can buy DHL parcel (size M) at the post office.
2.
Personalize your shoebox by including a handwritten note, a handmade Christmas card or a photograph of yourself, or your family. (Please write in English!)
3.
Wrap your shoebox in wrapping paper.
4.
Download and print the appropriate boy/girl/neutral label. (Also attached and to be found in the flyer of the Kinderzukunft.)
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You can find the LABELS here.
5.
Mark on your label whether your gift is for a boy or a girl and select an age category on your label: 0-6, 7-12 or 13-18. (Please be aware that most of the children are 6 to 12 years old, but teenagers need presents as well.
6.
Attach the label to the top of your shoebox.
7.
Bring your shoebox to the school between 28 November and 8 December.
8.
Support the distribution with 4 Euros per package.
What to pack and what not in your shoebox?
You can find the FAQ of the Kinderzukunft here.
Do you have any questions?
1.
The official website of the campaign is here.
2.
E-mail: agnes.tome@edu.eursc.eu or office@esfparents.org
This simple act of generosity can make a world of difference to a child this Christmas. Thank you for helping us sharing the true spirit of the season — compassion, joy, and giving. With warm regards, Agnes Tome and Christmas in a Shoebox Team