Spread Christmas cheer with kindness 

Round & About

Could you help the Kindness in Bucks team spread festive sparkle with their 2025 Shoe Box Appeal? 

Christmas conjures up images of twinkling lights, joyful gatherings, and gifts exchanged with love. But countless families face a very different festive season – one overshadowed by financial stress and uncertainty. That’s why Alison and Hannah, founders of Kindness in Bucks are once again stepping up to sprinkle some much-needed Christmas magic. 

Now in its third year, the Christmas Shoe Box Appeal has become a tradition of kindness that continues to grow thanks to the incredible generosity of our community. 

When the appeal launched in 2023, just over 100 boxes were lovingly packed and distributed to families in need. By 2024, that number had more than doubled, with 205 boxes brimming with thoughtful gifts delivered across Bucks. 

This year, the charity is dreaming even bigger – aiming to bring joy to hundreds more families, children, expectant mums, and even local fire service teams who work tirelessly to keep us safe. Each shoe box is more than just a parcel. Inside, you’ll find a mix of festive treats, toys, self-care items, and practical essentials – chosen with care. For parents, these boxes offer relief during a financially stretched time. For children, they bring the wide-eyed excitement of unwrapping something special. And for the whole community, they represent a reminder of the power of compassion. 

You can help spread the magic by: 

Making a box: Fill a shoe box with small gifts – from chocolates and toiletries to toys and cosy socks (clear guidelines online). 

Donating £25: Short on time? Volunteers will happily create a box on your behalf. 

Spreading the word:Share the appeal with friends, colleagues, schools and community groups. The more people involved, the more lives touched. 

Even one box can have a ripple effect, carrying with it the heartfelt message: you are seen, you are valued, you are not alone. 

At its heart, the Shoe Box Appeal is about more than what’s inside the wrapping paper. It’s about weaving a stronger, kinder Buckinghamshire – one where no one feels forgotten during the festive season. For those giving, the act itself is as rewarding as the gift, reminding us all of the joy in helping others. 

As the Kindness in Bucks team enter their third Christmas , everyone is invited to play a part – whether by creating a box with your children, rallying your workplace, or simply donating.