Shoebox 4 Syria - Let's Make a Child Smile for Eid 2015

WHAT IS SHOEBOX 4 SYRIA?

Image Credit: Shoebox 4 Syria

Conceptualised in the UK last year (2014), a group of like-minded people decided that they wanted to help put a smile on the faces of displaced and refugee children in war-torn Syria, during the joyous month of Eid (2015). So using the simple but brilliant idea of filling a shoebox to the brim with thoughtful little presents, these gift-wrapped shoeboxes will then be collectively shipped over to Syria for the children to receive in time for Eid. 

:: PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL SHOEBOX4SYRIA WEBSITE ::

WHO ARE THE SYRIAN CHILDREN?

A young Syrian child thinks that the camera is a gun pointed at her, so raises her arms in surrender.
(Image Credit: Osman Sagirli)

Syria faces ongoing armed conflict which started out as anti-government protests but soon escalated into a full-scale civil war. More than 11 million people have been forced from their homes. Over 5 million are innocent children who are in need of emergency help. For them, the horrors of war is an everyday reality. Forced to leave their homes, school, friends, toys and all things familiar in their lives behind, all these children long for is a normal childhood once again. And what else can put a smile on their face? Being able to play and just be a child.

WHAT IS EID?

Eid ul Fitr marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadhan for all Muslims, and is a celebrated joyous festivity. It is a time to show happiness, pray, ask for forgiveness, and be charitable. Most people will decorate their homes and prepare great feasts for their family and friends. It is customary to give gifts especially to young children, or some cultures also give monetary gifts. Although Syria is a predominantly Muslim country, these Eid gifts will be distributed to all children regardless of their faith. Shoebox 4 Syria also welcomes donations from people of all walks of life :)

WHAT KIND OF SHOEBOX SHOULD YOU USE?

The box must have a lid.

It can be the usual cardboard shoebox you get when you buy some new shoes from a shop, or a small plastic storage box, or even a nice gift box you purchased (from Daiso, Ikea, Popular, etc). As long as it has a lid.


WHAT ARE THE AGE GROUPS OF THE CHILDREN?

Baby: 0 - 3yrs
Girl (Younger): 3 - 6yrs
Boy (Younger): 3 - 6yrs
Girl (Older): 7 - 11yrs
Boy (Older): 7 - 11yrs


WHAT SHOULD YOU PUT IN THE SHOEBOX?

Top L-R: Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Skipping Rope, Stationary Set.

Bottom L-R: Cookies, Candy, Balloons, Notebooks.

This is your own Eid present for the children, so don't be too stressed about it and just give what you feel is in your heart, and what you think is appropriate for the age group. Here are a few of my own suggestions, as well as from the official website:

BABY - Bib, Rattle, Teethers, Ball, Baby Biscuits, Baby Blocks, Sensory-Play Items, Toothbrush & Toothpaste, Socks, Plush Toy, Sorting Toys.

BOYS - Toy Car, Ball, Comb, Toothbrush & Toothpaste, Playing Cards, Action Figure Toy, Puzzle, Marbles, Stickers, Candy, Lollipops, Cap, Colouring Pencils/ Crayons, Colouring Books.

Top L-R: Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Skipping Rope, Stationary Set.
Bottom L-R: Cookies, Candy, Balloons, Notepads.

GIRLS - Skipping Rope, Hair Accessories, Ball, Toothbrush & Toothpaste, Doll, Puzzle, Beads & String, Stickers, Candy, Lollipops, Scarf, Colouring Pencils/ Crayons, Colouring Books.



DO'S & DON'TS

DO GIVE: 

a) Edible treats that are Halal
b) Age appropriate gifts

c) A variety of things
d) Things you think your own children would like

DON'T GIVE:
a) Chocolate
 b) Sharp items
c) Military-themed or toy weapons
d) Second-hand items
e) Tinned food

f) Any liquids

g) Anything that is easily breakable

h) Perishable items
i) Any toys that require batteries


HOW TO WRAP THE SHOEBOX?

Please wrap the box and the lid separately.

Use some nice wrapping paper to wrap the box and the lid SEPARATELY, and only use a rubber band to seal it shut. This is so that the organisers can check through the contents of each shoebox.

Seal the shoeboxes with rubber bands only and label each box clearly according to gender and age.

WHERE TO SEND THE SHOEBOX?

SINGAPURA DROP-OFF POINTS:

(2 locations)

71, BUKIT BATOK CRESCENT, #06-10 PRESTIGE CENTRE, S(658071)
(Drop-off times are between 1.00pm - 7.00pm)
DEADLINE IS SATURDAY 18th APRIL 2015!


956 DUNEARN ROAD, GARDENVISTA, #01-19, TOWER 4, S(589484)
(Drop-off times are between 10.00am - 6.00pm)
DEADLINE IS SATURDAY 18th APRIL 2015!

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS A SHIPPING COST OF SGD$8.00/ 1KG FOR THE SHOEBOXES SENT FROM SG -> UK. SO PLEASE WEIGH YOUR BOXES AND KINDLY PREPARE EXACT PAYMENT IN CASH FOR THE SG VOLUNTEERS.
(1.2kg & below = SGD$8.00. Above 1.2kg will be considered as 2kg, and chargeable at $16)

UK DROP-OFF POINTS:

ISLAM HOUNSLOW, 307 WELLINGTON ROAD SOUTH,
HOUNSLOW, MIDDLESEX, TW4 5HL, LONDON
UNITED KINGDOM

There are several other drop-off points in the UK.
:: CLICK HERE TO FIND THE NEAREST LOCATION TO YOU ::

Image from Shoebox4Syria Facebook Page

*Please use the above-mentioned details when sending parcels to the UK to avoid tax and duty charges.

They will then be collectively shipped over to Syria (shipping costs from UK -> Syria will be made by the organisers).

MAKE A CASH DONATION INSTEAD

If you would like to make a cash donation instead, PLEASE CLICK HERE.


Thank you for doing your part to help bring a smile to a child's face, be it by donating an Eid gift, cash or just sharing the message. And bless you :)