Donate a gift to a child in need this Christmas

As we approach the holiday season, QMSU’s Mile End Volunteering Officer, Lily, is excited to announce that they are running a shoebox appeal on campus as part of the charity Samaritan Purse's Operation Christmas Child. This appeal collects everything from toys, school supplies, personal care items and even personalised items such as photos, friendship bracelets and letters. These are then packed into shoeboxes, wrapped and shipped to children in need all over the world in time for Christmas. For many of these children, your donations may be the first Christmas gifts they have ever received.

How do I get involved?

Items for a shoebox/a shoebox can be dropped off at the Students’ Union Hub Reception from Monday the 11th – Friday the 15th of November, during their opening times of 9am-8:30pm. If you'd like to bring donate any items/a shoebox of items in to Reception next week, here is Samaritan's Purse's items list: 

- A special item that will capture a child's attention (for example, a doll, stuffed animal, or soccer ball with pump).

- Toys (e.g. toy cars, animal figures, building blocks)

- Personal care items (comb, hairbursh, toothbrush)

- School supplies (notebook, pens, craft kits)

- Accessories and other items (friendship bracelets, wind-up torch, stickers, a personal note or photo)

The age ranges that shoeboxes are packed for are: 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. 

Please do not donate: 

Toothpaste, sweets, lotions and liquids; used or damaged items; war-related items (e.g. toy guns, model soldiers, military vehicles etc.); seeds, gum, chocolate or food items; religious or political literature; medicines, aerosol cans, knives, sharp or fragile items.

How can I stay up to date with volunteering opportunities?

QMSU's 'Get involved' page has all the info on how you can start volunteering with the SU's student-led Volunteering Groups and external charities and community organisations, and how you can log your Volunteering Hours with them to achieve a Volunteering Award: Get involved