Rotary Shoebox Scheme

Rotary Shoe Box Scheme

Leigh Rotary club have participated in the Shoebox Scheme for many years sending gift boxes to deprived parts of the world, mainly to the old Eastern block states. Well over 1 Million shoeboxes have been donated since the scheme was set up in 1994. Whilst Christmas is a popular time to send shoeboxes, they are transported throughout the year. The local Rotary Shoe Box warehouse is located in Oldham and is one of 11 collection points throughout the country.

Last year they delivered boxes to Refugee Relief, Hope and Homes, and via local Rotary Clubs in Kiev and Odessa, and to many other locations in Eastern Europe. The project, devised by Rotary Clubs in the North West of England goes from strength to strength and is supported not only by Rotary Clubs, but also by Churches, Schools, individuals and many other organisations.

The shoeboxes are specially constructed to be strong enough to be able to be stacked high for transporting on pallets. Information is printed on each box describing suitable items, which need not be new, but should be in good condition. Boxes can be for babies (boy or girl), young children, teenagers or can contain household goods. 

For children receiving Shoeboxes, it is often the first presents they have ever had and even the cardboard boxes become a useful item to treasure.

Please help by getting your organisation to participate – it is an easy project to organise, as we will provide and collect the boxes from you. It’s also fun, worthwhile and satisfying to know the joy it can bring.

click here to visit the Rotary Shoe Box web site

Photo: A car full of Shoeboxes collected by a local Church