Giving Back with Christmas in a Shoebox

Ever year when Christmas comes up I think “Oh I could no should do this charity thing.” Every time I think I get into it later. Every year I am too late. This year I really want to do it because honestly is there anything holding me back besides my laziness? My perfect happy world where I pretend I have oh so many problems, stress and burdens? No I don’t! I have a family, a roof and food on the table, even a job and free time to do things I love. I can go out at night without being scared and more often than not I take all that for granted. Isn’t it time to give back. Time to show some appreciation. Time to share at least my wealth.

As I said this thought is not new. Last year I was too late for the “Weihnachten im Schuhkarton” project. This year I am right on time. It starts today. If you are not familiar with it keep on reading.

It is pretty simple: You pack up a shoebox of gifts for a child who might have never opened a present before. There are a few ground rules like only new stuff, differentiate between boy/girl and age, and no war associated toys. Then drop it of with a 8€/9$ donation at one of the many places world wide. Voila you are done.

And even if that is too hard: You can just do it online by sending the donation via payable right now.

Not that hard. Read about the Christmas in a Shoebox project in more detail here in German / English.

Last year 11 million boxes were packed. The most boxes were packed in the U.S. but what kinda blew my mind was that Great Britain hold second place. Before Canada and all German Speaking Countries. So I looked a bit closer – because sometimes I am a numbers nerd – and realised that over half a million packed boxes looks a lot on paper it is still only 1-2% of the population. However it also makes me quite sad that Germany comes in at 0,44%. I don’t know something just doesn’t feel right there. Is this country really so self absorbed? I hope not.

Anyhow maybe you want to join me in this little thing (you can do so until November 15th). I went shopping for the first items today. I am still pondering the budget I set myself on but here is a list of things that might work for a 5-9 year old girl: