“Shoebox” Christmas gift drive brings joy to thousands of children from socially disadvantaged families
The Diaconia of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren has launched its 15th nationwide Christmas gift collection “Shoebox“. Held under the auspices of the country’s First Lady Eva Pavlová, the project enables people to help light up the Christmas holiday for children from socially disadvantaged families.
Christmas is a time for charity and, as stores fill up with glittering Christmas decorations, many Czechs stop to think about ways to bring joy to those less fortunate.
One of the most popular charity drives linked to the holiday is the “Shoebox“ Christmas gift collection launched by the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren fifteen years ago. It encourages Czechs to fill a shoebox with gifts for children in orphanages or socially disadvantaged families for whom even a simple gift is a big treat. Every year, the number of Czechs supporting the effort has risen and many parents involve their own children in the project. Last year Diaconia charity points collected over 60,000 gift boxes for children around the country.
This week, the Evangelical Church Diaconia announced the launch of the 2025 “Shoebox” gift drive. Dalibor Hála, the organization’s spokesperson explains how people can get involved.
“There are a total of 294 collection points across the country. Anyone who wants to donate can visit the website krabiceodbot.cz where they will find a map of collection points and choose where they want to hand over their shoebox. They will also be asked to select the age and gender of the child for whom they want to prepare gifts –ranging from age one to teenagers.”
The collection points will open next Monday, November 24 and people will have until December 8th to bring their wrapped parcels – which should be in a solid cardboard box, more or less the size of a shoebox. People are encouraged to fill it with gifts and sweets – anything that their own children would appreciate – and possibly add a greeting to make it more personal.
Those unsure what to get can consult the webpage of the Evangelical Church Diaconia which has prepared suggestions and inspiration to help people find the right gift.
People who cannot manage to buy gifts, can make a financial contribution.
Dalibor Hála says that even small contributions go a long way to making dreams come true.
“Thanks to donated money, children from families at risk can experience things they otherwise couldn’t—whether it’s a school skiing course or a day trip for children living in an orphanage. We also help pay for child therapy where it is needed. So you can make a big difference to a child’s life with just a few clicks of the mouse. “
Last year, more than 61,000 children received gifts from the “Shoebox” charity drive, and donors contributed 5.5 million crowns to its fund. Over 800 volunteers and more than 900 organizations that support families across the country took part in the effort.
To get involved, go to: https://www.krabiceodbot.cz/
