Westmeath contributions sought as Team Hope launches Christmas shoebox appeal

Schools, families and community groups in Westmeath have been asked to get behind the 2026 Team Hope Christmas shoebox appeal.

Launching this year’s campaign, the international development organisation said it aims to send 200,000 shoeboxes filled with presents from Ireland to Africa and Eastern Europe for children who may not otherwise receive Christmas gifts.

Last year, the charity delivered its three millionth shoebox gift and is hoping individuals and groups in Westmeath can exceed the 4,369 shoeboxes it generated last year.

Schools and employers, as well as individuals, sporting and community organisations are invited to get involved.

They can create their own shoeboxes or donate €25 to have one created and delivered to a child for Christmas.

According to the organisers, shoeboxes contain the four W's: wear (clothing items); wash (soaps, toothpaste, toothbrush); write (colouring books, crayons, and markers) and wow (toys and sweets).

As well as delivering shoebox gifts to children in Africa and Eastern Europe, Team Hope also delivers a range of community development initiatives which strengthen families, increase resilience and create lasting change.

“Christmas shoeboxes are a very simple concept, and an international act of kindness for tens of thousands of children across the world,” said Team Hope CEO Deborah Lowry.

She personally witnessed the excitement and emotion as one child in Burundi, Africa, opened an Irish shoebox, with the joy shared by their parents.

“They felt they had not been forgotten about, and were so appreciative of the gifts. I really believe the incredible kindness and generosity of the Irish nation should be celebrated,” she said.

Ms Lowry also met Suavis, a Burundi mother of nine, who went on to set up a catering business after taking part in a Team Hope programme.

“Sometimes all families need is a small opportunity and someone to believe in them,” said Ms Lowry.

“The support we receive from people across Ireland helps communities build brighter futures for their families. It all starts with a shoebox.”

The 2026 shoebox appeal was launched at FCJ Secondary School in Bunclody, Wexford, which has filled more than 30,000 Team Hope shoeboxes over the past two decades.

Completed shoeboxes can be handed over at 400 drop-off points nationwide, or at any Mr Price outlet in Ireland, between November 1 and 10, and the public can donate €25 for a box to be made until Christmas Eve. To get involved, visit teamhope.ie