Can you help women and children in Oxfordshire refuges this Christmas..?
/ 05 November 2019 / No CommentsWe are supporting the Project Shoebox Oxford again this year and are asking for your help in the way of donations of unwanted & unused toiletries, cosmetics and feel-good items.
The Shoebox Appeal aims to help women and their families who are spending time in an Oxfordshire Women’s Refuge over the festive period as many of them arrive with nothing more than the clothes they stand up in as they leave an abusive relationship. Some are able to plan their departure and pack a bag.
We collect unwanted & unused toiletries, cosmetics, and box them as gifts that will help them feel ready to start again.
What can I give?
Basic toiletries for women (and girls & boys too):
- Shower gel· Soap
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Body Lotion
- Deodorant
- Hair brush/comb
Helpful, comforting items:
- Face wash/toner/moisturiser
- Make up remover
- Sanitary products
- Cosmetics – face, nails, makeup, fake tan, hair dye
- Cotton wool, flannel
- Hair products: mousse, hair bands or scrunchies
Just nice things to have:
- Scarves, jewellery
- Socks: tights, slippers or flipflops
- Sweets
- A Christmas card
- For Teens: Girls and Boys Shower gel, deodorant, socks, hair gel, etc.
Basic store cupboard staples (please check the shelf life):
- Tea, coffee, sugar, UHT milk
- Breakfast cereal (e.g. cornflakes, muesli, porridge oats)
- Pasta, pasta sauce, tins of tomatoes, tins of vegetable
- Rice
- Dried beans, lentils, fruit
- Basic biscuits / crispbreads
- Tins of soup, stew, fish
- Marmalade, jam, peanut butter, chocolate spread
- Nice Christmas biscuits/ treats, maybe a small pudding
Babies are often a real trigger point for domestic abuse to get worse, so any of the following are always appreciated:
- Baby shampoo
- Baby Lotion
- Baby Oil
- Nappy cream
- Cotton wool
- Wipes
- Nappy bags
- Clean, unused dummies
- Anything helpful for a new mum: nipple cream, knickers,
Please Note: It is all about the safety and comfort of the recipients. Things we won’t be collecting are any toiletries/cosmetic products that have any kind of labelling or branding that denotes sexual attraction. Some of our recipients may be survivors of sexual abuse Simple medicines – paracetamol, aspirin, Calpol Anything sharp – mirrors, scissors, razor
We ask that all toiletry & cosmetic items are unused and unopened, otherwise we cannot guarantee the hygeine of the item. Any non-perishable food items, we ask that the ‘best-before’ date is at least a month in the future.
Whatever you are able to give, it all helps to build a gift that will help a woman and her family start again. We are not asking you to fill a box, even a bottle of shampoo or packet of tea bags is a great help.
