Wrexham’s Christmas Shoebox Appeal Centre Opens

People across Wrexham are being encouraged to support disadvantaged children by taking part in this year’s Christmas Shoebox Appeal.

Last Friday Wrexham’s shoebox Checking Centre officially opened in the former Total Fitness Gym site in Rhosddu. The centre was opened by local Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths.

The appeal is encouraging local residents to donate a shoebox filled with toys and gifts for children who may not receive any presents this year.

Essential items include toys, educational supplies such as colouring books and pencils, and hygiene provisions such as toothbrushes and combs. It is also important to specify whether your shoebox is for a boy or girl or for the home.

The famous shoebox gift concept started in Wrexham 24 years ago and became the world’s largest children’s Christmas programme. It is estimated this humble initiative has now reached more than 113 million children worldwide.

Wrexham resident Dave Cooke founded Operation Christmas Child in 1990 and following on from its success, created Teams4U in 2006. T4U operate across the world supporting communities to make a difference to children’s lives. This year, the local charity has brought the appeal back to the town where it all started.

After officially opening the Checking Centre, Lesley Griffiths AM said: “I am delighted Teams4U are bringing the shoebox appeal back to Wrexham. It is such a worthy cause and I am extremely proud this local initiative has had such a positive impact on children’s lives across the world.

“The town can be very proud of its links to the original Christmas shoebox concept. The key reason for its continued success is down to the generosity of local citizens and I hope the 2014 Christmas Shoebox Appeal will be just as valuable and rewarding.”

People can drop-off their shoeboxes at the collection point in Rhosddu from the 10th to the 21st November.