We are getting ready to launch our annual shoebox appeal for 2021!
Christmas can be a difficult time of the year for those experiencing homelessness, so each year, our shoebox appeal supplies each Arc resident with a festive shoebox and each property with a Christmas hamper to make sure they do not miss out.
Unfortunately, last year’s difficulties meant that we could only ask for monetary donations towards our shoeboxes, but you, our wonderful supporters, did not disappoint! Your incredible kindness allowed us to buy and make up shoeboxes and hampers full of goodies for each and every Arc resident, ensuring that everyone felt a little bit of Christmas cheer.
This year, we are excited to be able to go back to our ‘normal’ shoebox appeal! Many of you may already know how this works, but here are some FAQs for anyone who wants to know more.
How can I take part in the shoebox appeal?
It’s so simple to support those experiencing homelessness with our shoebox appeal! All you need to do is find a small box or bag, decorate it (lid separately) if you like, and fill it with items from the list below. Once we are ready, you will be able to drop the boxes at one of our drop-off points.
What can I include in my shoebox?
- Mug/travel mug with hot drink sachet
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Roll on deodorant
- Shower gel
- Shampoo
- Shower loofah
- Sweets/chocolate
- 'Novelty' Christmas socks
- Unisex hats and gloves
- Notepad and pen
- Small 2022 diary
You may even want to add in a Christmas card to wish the person receiving your gifts a Happy Christmas!
Each shoebox will be checked before being given to a client for health and safety reasons. Please do not include any items containing alcohol or refrigerated food.
What dates are shoeboxes being accepted?
We will be accepting shoebox donations between 15th November and 15th December at designated collection points which are TBC so keep an eye out for further updates. However, if you're super organised and have your shoebox ready for the 14th November, you can drop them to our Arc stall at Taunton Independent Market, Castle Green.
Where are the collection points?
You can drop off shoebox donations at our office at 7 The Crescent, Taunton between 9am and 3pm every Tuesday until December 15
th. If these days do not suit you, please see our other collection points.
Taunton:
Helping Hands,
7 Corporation Street
Mon-Fri: 8.30am to 5.30pm
Sat: 8.30am to 2.00pm
A-Plan,
1a St. James Street
Mon-Fri: 8am to 5.30pm
Sat: 8am to 12pm
My Carbon Coach,
2 Bridge Street
Mon-Sat: 9.30am to 5pm
Lakeland,
15 East Street
Mon-Sat: 9am to 5.30pm
Sun: 10.30am to 4.30pm
Bridgwater:
Morrisons,
The Broadway
Mon-Sat: 7am to 10pm
Sun: 10am to 4pm
Asda,
East Quay
Mon-Fri: 7am to 11pm
Sat: 7am to 10pm
Sun: 10am to 4pm
Wellington:
Waitrose,
34-46 High Street
Mon-Sat: 8am to 8pm
Sun: 10am to 4pm
Olive & Rosy,
1 North Street
Wed-Fri: 9.30am to 2.30pm
Sat: 9am to 3pm
I am unable to make a shoebox, but would still like to contribute – how do I do this?
If you would rather make a monetary donation towards the cost of Christmas at Arc, please do so by clicking
here.
What about Christmas hampers?
A big, roast dinner and festive food are often one of the highlights of Christmas. At any one time, Arc house around 170 individuals within our main 40-bed hostel Lindley House and 15 satellite properties. Each satellite property has between 5 and 15 bedspaces. Every year, our lovely supporters help to provide each property with a hamper full of food to share. If individuals or groups would like to help supply a hamper, below is a list of what to include. Please do not include any items containing alcohol or refrigerated food.
- Nuts / Crisps
- Crackers
- Fruit
- Boxes of chocolates
- Biscuits
- Yule Log / Christmas Cake
- Mince Pies
- Dates / Figs
- Jams / Spreads
- Breadsticks
- Hot Chocolate, Marshmallows etc
- Soft Drinks (Bottles, Cans)
- Croissants / Pastries
If you would prefer to make a monetary donation towards a Christmas hamper, the suggested amount is £30 which you can donate here.
How do I find out more about the shoebox appeal, or about Arc in general?
Please contact Rosie Hather at [email protected], or Alice Hannon at [email protected] for more information.
As always, we are so grateful for our supporters and the difference they make to the lives of those experiencing homelessness. Thank you so much!