CHS Group, the Cambridge-based charitable housing association and social enterprise, has announced the results of its 2021 Shoe Box Appeal, which invited the public to put together and donate shoe boxes or festive bags filled with a range of Christmas gifts.

Thanks to an extremely generous response, CHS Group was able to provide over 100 gifts to its own residents across its community support services, as well as distribute a further 100 Christmas gifts to residents of other housing projects such as: YMCA, Whitworth House and the Castle Project.

Shoe boxes and Christmas bags were filled with a range of festive and practical gifts from toiletries and pyjamas to sweet treats and stationery.

CHS Group offers a range of community support services in Cambridge, Ely and Wisbech which provide accommodation and support to 16–24-year-olds who are at risk of homelessness.

Nigel Howlett, CHS Group’s Chief Executive said:

“From all of us at CHS Group, including our residents, we would like to say a huge thank you to the Cambridgeshire community for your continued support. Your kind gestures make a big difference to our residents at this time of year.

“To be able to not just provide essentials, but also some special Christmas treats has been phenomenal. The gifts make the residents feel that they are part of and cared for by the community, which is a gift in itself.”

People who want to donate wrap a shoebox, in Christmas paper and then fill it with a variety of different items from the suggestion list below plus an optional card or message.

New or unopened toiletries—toothbrushes/paste, shampoo/conditioner, shower gel, hair gel, nail polish; clothing— hats, scarf, gloves, socks, underwear, pyjamas; food—chocolate/sweets, biscuits; stationary—pens, notepads; gift cards—supermarket or coffee shops.

Photo: CHS Group