Secular alternative to Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes?

[nappyaddict]

I have found a few alternatives (Link to Hope, Link Romania, Rotary Shoebox Scheme, Blythswood Care, International Aid Trust) but all of them are supported by Christian charities.

I accept it's not the most efficient way of helping families in poverty (the shipping cost being the main factor) but I think my DS would get more out of going to the shop to choose and buy items he would like himself for a less fortunate child, than just donating money to a local charity or buying an online gift.

I remember being told about 21st Century Child and OneChild OneWorld previously but I can't seem to find anything about them.

A donation to your local food bank or a local charity which gives presents to dc who would otherwise get nothing.

A charity in my town delivers presents very late on Christmas eve so parents don't have time to sell them before Christmas morning.

Lots of churches do a collection where you make up the box yourself and it goes to children who's families can't afford presents etc on Christmas Morning. Is that more what you're looking for?

I personally don't like operation christmas child for their inclusion of propaganda but christmas is a Christian festival so I would imagine charity schemes around this time would be mostly Christian. Many local shopping centres run a scheme.

We usually donate to the food bank in Autumn so would like to do something different for Winter.

It's sad that the charity have to do that. I have known of families who sell their children's presents not even a week after Christmas. :(

A few places by us collect toys but it's usually for disabled children, children in hospital or Homestart. My child has received things before which is lovely and thoughtful but unnecessary. We are not struggling for money and my DS gets plenty of presents from us, family and friends. I would prefer to use an organization that gives to families that truly have nothing. Homestart supports families like this but it also supports families that don't have money troubles.

I've been trying to find out if Women's Aid are doing a Christmas Appeal this year or how I could help local women's refuges/family hostels/mother and baby units.

Was going to say Women's Aid usually do a gift list with John Lewis I think, we usually buy some vouchers. Salvation Army usually do a toy gift which we also donate to and, of course, the local food bank. Usually get a box of christmas elf type chocolate things from Costco and donate them along with the usual bag, and chuck in a few 'nice' bits too. Hate the idea of a kid not having chocolate at Christmas which I know is just nuts when their families can't actually afford Christmas dinner but I always remember being really excited about my selection box when I was a kid.

We also plate up a christmas lunch for a couple of pensioners who live near us and don't have any family. We pop there on Christmas afternoon and stop for a cup of tea and a chat. Might be worth getting in touch with Age UK to see if there is an organised thing if you can spare the half an hour.

Salvation Army is not exactly secular, but they don't use propaganda. I think they are a very effective charity and they are usually delighted to take unwanted (new) toys and gifts; I collect up a bag throughout the year including sale things and they can be for any age. They visit the families and also elderly people and spend time with them over Christmas

Isn't Salvation Army a Christian thing? Have emailed Women's Aid.

The Rotary club operate a box scheme, and don't just do Christmas either

Contact your local council - ours runs a scheme where they take new toys and distribute them to children. Banardos also used to do something where they gave gifts to young carers

I wonder if I could take stuff to the local children's home?

I do the rotary club christmas boxes

I don't get the issue with operation Christmas child being religious. Christmas is a Christian festival, the clue is in the name. If you really don't want anything relating to Christmas, send independent cash, resource donations to another charity.

But sally army don't preach. And as has been pointed out it is a Christmas festival!!!

Strictly speaking the Yuletide pagan festival came first didn't it? In our house it is a celebration of Winter rather than anything Christian. Hopefully Women's Aid will get back to me as they are the people I would feel most comfortable supporting.

Local radio station? Ours does a toy collection for christmas.

If you wish to ensure that your gifts or money are not given to Christians, I don't think that womens aid are the charity for you. They won't discriminate on religious grounds .

The OP doesn't care who the beneficiaries are, just the intermediaries.

Have you seen the BHA's item on this? Some alternatives there.
This piece here

"I don't get the issue with operation Christmas child being religious. Christmas is a Christian festival, the clue is in the name. If you really don't want anything relating to Christmas, send independent cash, resource donations to another charity."

You're missing the point. There are organisations that give out presents to children at Christmas without faith strings attached. The Salvation Army is a good example of this. Operation Christmas Child is not.

Wood Street Mission
It's a charity working with children in poverty across Greater Manchester. I've worked with them before, and they are great. They make up small parcels for families with presents and food items.

They also take donations of good-quality second hand clothing, toys and baby equipment for distribution to families in need.

Thanks have contacted Wood Street Mission.