CHS Group, a charitable housing association and social enterprise based in Cambridgeshire, has launched its 2022 Shoebox Appeal.
It aims to ensure all of the young people across its supported housing services have a gift under the tree this Christmas.
CHS Group provides a number of accommodation and support services in Ely, Wisbech and Cambridge.
They support people who would otherwise be homeless, young parents and their children, as well as people with autism, learning difficulties and those experiencing mental health issues.
The CHS Group Shoebox Appeal, now in its fourth year, invites individuals, schools, churches, businesses, and community groups to donate shoeboxes filled with a range of Christmas gifts.
Previous supporters of the campaign include Sawston Village College and St Faith’s School in Cambridge.
This year, CHS Group is encouraging donations of gender-neutral presents, with recommended items including toiletries, clothing, pyjamas, sweets, treats, stationery, and gift cards.
Personal notes or messages from donors are also encouraged in the shoeboxes, however strictly no alcohol, tobacco or cash should be included.
CHS Group is inviting donations from now until Monday 05 December, giving communities plenty of time to collect items for the appeal, while ensuring CHS Group’s staff members have enough time to check, coordinate, and distribute all the shoeboxes.
For members of the community who would like to get involved but are unable to donate a filled shoebox, CHS Group has set up a JustGiving page for financial donations which will go towards making up a shoebox and supporting young people throughout the year.
Nigel Howlett, CHS Group’s chief executive, said: “Imagine a year with no Christmas presents.
“For most of us this is unheard of, but for many young people in our care across Cambridgeshire, it is a sad reality.
“By giving the extra-special gift of a Christmas shoebox, you can bring so much joy and happiness to our residents, especially at a time when they may feel at their most isolated.
“We were so grateful for the hundreds of donations we received in 2021; the generosity of the public provided some residents with their only present last Christmas.”
He added: “Whether you are able to give a shoebox filled with goodies, individual items to go towards a filled shoebox, a donation to our JustGiving page, or even simply an empty shoebox or giftbag for us to fill, it all makes a huge difference.”
As in previous years, any surplus boxes or items received will be distributed to other community groups and charities across Cambridgeshire which also support vulnerable people.
To find out more about CHS Group’s Shoebox Appeal, including what is suitable to donate, visit: https://www.chsgroup.org.uk/supported-housing/chs-shoe-box-appeal-2022/
To donate to the Shoebox Appeal via the JustGiving page, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/CHS-Shoe-Box-Appeal
Donations can be dropped off at the following locations and times:
Cambridge
- CHS Group Head Office – Endurance House, Chivers Way, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9ZR; Monday – Friday 9am-12pm and 2.30pm – 5pm (please avoid 12-2.30pm)
- Railway House – 128 Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 2BQ; Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
- Russell Street – 82 Russell Street, Cambridge CB2 1HU; Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
Ely
- Wheatsheaf Close – 1 Wheatsheaf Close, Ely CB6 3YJ; Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
Wisbech
- 204 – 204 Norwich Road, Wisbech PE13 3TD; Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
- Fenland Young People’s Service – The Staithe, Holmes Drive, P13 3TJ; Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
About the CHS Group
CHS Group is a charitable housing association, established in 1927, providing high quality and good value affordable housing together with support, care, and community services.
CHS supports people to achieve a better quality of life.
“We offer good value services that all of us would be proud to use,” says CHS.
“CHS is all about people. We are about the 7,000 people living in our affordable homes and the 2,000 people who choose to rely on our care, support, and community investment services.
“And we are about the CHS team of 300 people who spend time listening to customers to make sure we deliver the high-quality services they want.
CHS work across Cambridgeshire; providing services that give people opportunities to achieve what they want and a better quality of life.
Founded in 1927, their experience means they take both the long-term view and a fresh look at issues which cut across traditional boundaries.
“We take pride in our capacity to innovate, to work with partners, to provide value and create new opportunities and choices,” says CHS.
