The Sheffield Shoebox Appeal are reaching out for donations, as every box short is a person without a present to open on Christmas day.

The appeal, which launched in 2013, gather and make boxes with the aim to deliver a Christmas present to every vulnerable and disadvantaged adult in Sheffield.

With their current count at 1,600 they are short of their goal of 3,000 boxes.

Christine Sexton, the organiser of the appeal, said: “It is not enough – no where near enough.”

The reduction of donations is believed to be linked to the cost of living crisis, but many people have reached out in the last few days saying they had not seen the posts on social media.

Ms Sexton said lots of people drop donations off in bags, which is greatly appreciated, but they “need the boxes.”

Last year, they distributed 2,981 boxes which were distributed between 40 charities.

The boxes are given to adults who are fleeing domestic violence, forced marriages, homeless people, and elderly people who are own their own for Christmas.

One of those charities is Ben’s Centre, a place of sanctuary for vulnerable people.

Kelly Trixie, the project manager for Ben’s Centre, said the boxes mean a lot to the people who use the centre’s services.

She said: “It makes them feel like people care about them.

“It perks people up.”

Box requirements include knitted hats, socks, games, perfume, aftershave. A full list of suggestions for boxes can be found on their website.

The boxes are “less practical and more of a gift” said Ms Sexton.

Most shoebox drop off points close Saturday 29 November, but the central store at 267 Glossop Road will be open until Monday 1 December.  

Photo courtesy of Sheffield Shoe Box Appeal and Amy Field.