Pictures: Army and Kilkenny kids team up to make a child smile in Shoebox Appeal

The 2022 Team Hope Christmas Shoebox appeal is well under way again this year with hundreds of beautifully wrapped, gift filled shoeboxes coming in from every part of County Kilkenny and beyond.

The Children of St Canice’s National School, the Girls from Loreto and the boys from CBS Primary were very excited to see some members from the 3rd Infantry Battalion lend a helping hand last Friday to collect the shoeboxes from their schools. READ MORE BELOW

"We are overwhelmed by the support and kindness of the Kilkenny people towards this appeal. Thank you to Khans for the window display and to MacDonagh Junction for the box display," said Rita McGuinness of The Kilkenny Team Hope Volunteers.

The Kilkenny Hope Team would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who made it possible.

“Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word about the appeal from parish newsletters to local papers and radio. Thank you to our drop off points, our libraries, Dealz and Costello’s pharmacy, Callan. Thank you to everyone who donated shoeboxes or gifts to put in the shoeboxes. Thank you to the many volunteers who work tirelessly to prepare the shoeboxes for their journey to the children in need," said Ms McGuinness.

Team Hope’s Christmas Shoebox Appeal is an annual Campaign that delivers gifts straight into the hands of children affected by poverty. Often these shoeboxes are the only gifts these children will receive at Christmas and the joy that they bring is incredible.

All shoebox gifts are wrapped in Christmas paper and filled with what the Kilkenny Hope Team call the four Ws.
Wash: Bar of soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, face cloth;
Wear: Hat, Scarf, gloves, underwear, socks;
Write: Copies, pens, pencils, eraser, sharpener, colouring pencils;
Wow: Sweets, teddies, small toys, jewellery.

If you would like to volunteer at Kilkenny’s local packing and checking centre or need more information you can contact Ann (087) 6859951 or Rita (087) 9970655. You can also visit their website on www.teamhope.ie where you can still build a box online.