// BBC BUSINESS NEWS — FINANZA
Christmas shoebox appeal launches to help children
The boxes will be available in supermarkets for shoppers to pick up and pack before they are passed on to school and charities for distribution.
Children across Staffordshire who might otherwise go without a Christmas present are set to receive gift-filled shoeboxes through a new appeal encouraging residents to donate locally.
The initiative, organised by World Give, is asking people to pick up empty shoeboxes from supermarkets, fill them with gifts and return them for distribution to families through schools, charities and Staffordshire County Council.
Trustee Adam Contoret said the appeal was launched after the charity recognised growing levels of hardship closer to home.
"We look around the shops, we see everyone going about their business, but you don't see the people that aren't there," he said.
School children gave feedback on what sort of items could be included so that a list could be prepared to help shoppers understand what to put in the boxes.
"There's people that would be buying Christmas presents, but they can't because they haven't got the money."
Over the past 20 years, the charity has helped more than 100,000 children across the world by sending shoeboxes full of gifts. This year, however, it has turned its attention to supporting children and families in Staffordshire.
"It's apparently one in seven children who won't get a formal gift-wrapped Christmas present under the tree at Christmas," Contoret said.
"This year we're turning around. Charity begins at home. The boxes are being done in Staffordshire for Staffordshire kids."