The chill is in the air telling us that it is time for Christmas preparation in our families and especially for those less fortunate than we are. This year, we are once again inviting families to make up a shoebox for a youth in need in Ottawa. Below we have provided a list of items that you can include in your box for youth, ages 10-16.
We ask you to label the box with the age and gender you have chosen, and then fill it with as many new items as you are able. You are welcome to come together with another family to complete the box, or fill it yourselves. We also are grateful for donations of hygiene items such as soap, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes.
There is no time like the present … we will need to collect the shoe boxes by November 22/23 in order for the Centretown Community Health Centre to deliver them to families in need by Christmas. Please bring your filled shoeboxes to the parish, unwrapped, and we will make sure they get into grateful hands by Christmas.
Thank you in advance for helping us to spread the cheer this Christmas!!
Pick an age range and fill a box for a child in need:
10-12 years old, 12-14 years old, 14-16 years old
(male, female, or non-binary)
Please include: a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, hand towel or washcloth, hairbrush or comb
Suggested additional items:
Clothing: t-shirts, socks, tuques, ball caps, hair accessories
Art: journals, pens, pencils, crayons, markers, craft kits, colouring books, art supplies
Games and toys: brainteaser puzzles, juggling balls, card games (e.g., Uno, Skipbo, Sushi Go), travel-sized board games, playing cards
Please label your unwrapped box with age range & gender and include a Christmas card.