secular alternatives to Christmas shoeboxes

[Juno]

Does anyone know of any off the top of their heads? Want to get my bid in with ds1's headteacher early. Thanks in advance.

It's a dificult one- it is true that most teachers put in ay above the time they are paid for in order to do their job well, this idea of a 9-3 day etc just doesn't work, and the difference between one that does and the rare ones that don't is obvious. So myself, I am happy to give something. I always feel uncomfy with the mass collection though- t puts pressure on people who may not be able to afford it, or who would prefer to do something mroe persnal (eg make something)

Perhaps you could suggest they go for a charity gift and them the kids amke something at home each to go with it? Would mean an awful lot more

You know I think I will this year Peachy! I know what you mean, it is of course nice to show your appreciation, but like you say the pressure with the big collection is awful. I'm definitely doing something more personal this year.

Thanks for the links lemonaid, the link romania looksgood. Fills in form

Sossy - my kids made truffles for the teachers last year. Its very easy. They had fun making them and decorating the box. The teachers were really chuffed too. It was obviously appreciated more than the standard box or bottle of wine. Every single teacher took time to thank me (we had a seperate box for the dinner ladies too). We also did one of the cheaper oxfam gifts too - think it was a load of pencils or something.

I opted out of the shoebox thing last year but I felt really bad doing so. Its hard explaining all the politics to young kids. I will be opting out again this year so it is good to have some alternatives to think about.

My son's beaver leader has asked us to contribute and although she is adorable I really hesitate to appear critical of something they're so positive about. I'd hate to appear to be negative. But this organisation does sound creepy. There shouldn't be a missionary thing attached to the gift at all. yuck. But tell that to the marines!

Before making up your mind please look here.
If you have any other questions then I urge you to contact the charity directly.

Thanks Wobbelewibble, I have had first hand experiences with people from church who go out to Eastern Europe with the boxes and they've been so geunine and the stories of some of the kids situations are heartbreaking. It was always made clear that they weren't at all discreminatory or bible bashing, but simply delivering gifts to needy kids.
Many organisations do have Christian foundations simply because Christians are called to give, to serve, to love neighbours as themselves - so often charities have a 'Christian agenda' beacause they are following a compassionate faith.