Amid the cost of living crisis, Sheffield Shoebox Appeal have announced fears that they will not meet their donation target by the 1 December deadline.

The appeal set their target at 3,000 boxes this year, as there are “more people in need than ever before”. However, as it stands, they have raised only half of that.

For every box we’re short, somebody doesn’t get a Christmas present.

The Appeal is made up of a group of friends who work closely with local charities and hope to provide every vulnerable or disadvantaged adult in Sheffield with a Christmas present.

Christine Sexton, a coordinator for the Appeal, said the cost of living crisis has made things difficult for them.

She said: “We’ve got this dual problem where there are more people in need, and the people who are there to help haven’t got enough money spare.”

Recipients of the boxes include homeless people, women in refuges, people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, and old people who live on their own.

Last year was the first Christmas since the initiative began in 2013 that they did not hit their target, and they are even further behind this year.

Christine said: “At the end of the day, for every box we’re short, somebody doesn’t get a Christmas present. That’s the bottom line.”

Box requirements typically include clothing items such as socks and hats, toiletry giftsets, and Christmas treats. A full list of what is expected can be found on the Appeal’s website.

Christine said: “Don’t think it takes a long time, it doesn’t. If you can’t make a shoebox, get a giftbag. Put some things in it, some toiletries, socks, hat, chocolates, a couple of other nice things. You can do them reasonably cheaply. Places like B&M, Home Bargains, and Poundland are your friends.”

One success story comes from the University of Sheffield shoebox wrapping event which took place on 27 November, and saw over 150 boxes completed.

Andrew Woffindin, the event organiser, said: “It was such an awesome opportunity to work with the Sheffield shoebox appeal, and as a Sheffielder born and bred it was so heart-warming to be able to help local people.

“The event was an amazing success.”

Most shoebox drop off points close on Saturday 30 November, but the central store is open until Sunday 1 December.