Shoebox project 2026
mon 9 - Thu 12 November
It's that time of year again, it's shoebox season! Over two decades we've run the shoebox project in Hitchin - that we are where we are is a testament to the support that continues to be provided every single year! Assemblies in participating schools are held near the autumn half term, local organisations compile their contributions from throughout the year, and we prepare for a week of sorting and cartoning in the church.
WAYS TO DONATE
We shall be sorting through donations at church on Saturday 7th November. Please bring any knitting, spare shoeboxes, items to go into the boxes before this date, or between 10am and 12noon on the 2nd. If you can't make it to church, please get in touch below and we can arrange a (local) collection. We are particularly looking for toothbrushes and toothpaste, small travel games, safety razors, and items for Dads (tape measure, screwdrivers, socks, bootlaces, etc)
Our shoebox sorting week is Monday 9 to Thursday 12 November (dependent on the number of shoeboxes!) which we'll be delivering to Link to Hope HQ on Tuesday 17 November
20+ years of shoeboxes in Hitchin
Over 15,000 shoeboxes collected and delivered
99% sorted at WRBC, saving tens of thousands of hours for the charity
Have collected from other local collection hubs to reduce transportation
120+ volunteers to sort shoeboxes
22 schools
9 churches
3 organisations
The 'Jansel House' HMRC team
The 'King House' HMRC team
Countless individuals
thank you!
more about the PROJECT
When we first began the project, shoeboxes were prepared for Smile International but after a decade as one of their largest contributors and going out with them to deliver shoeboxes in Kosovo, the charity wound up operations in Eastern Europe to focus on its other areas. However, we realised how big a difference the shoeboxes made to the lives of the people receiving them as well the huge part they play in church life each year and so we found another charity that worked in a similar region, called Link to Hope. Despite our initial scale-back of operations as we sought a new charity, the people of Hitchin and beyond have continued to show their generosity and support for the Shoebox Appeal - having finished over 20th year in our town!