Gift Box Appeal 2023: We Need You!

For many people, Christmas can be the most wonderful time of the year. But it can also be a difficult period, especially for people who are feeling lonely or isolated.

That’s why this year, Care & Repair have teamed up with Age Cymru and Age Connects Wales to spread some seasonal cheer through the Christmas Gift Box appeal, and we’re asking for your help.

We are inviting everyone to fill a shoebox with festive gifts and treats, to be delivered to an older person who may not have any friends or family around them this Christmas. The gifts don’t have to be expensive, and what you include is up to you. Have a look at Age Cyrmu’s appeal web page for some brilliant suggestions. At Care & Repair we particularly love the idea of including something that can help to keep an older person warm, not just at Christmas but throughout the winter months. Scarves, hats, gloves or cosy socks are always popular warming gifts. Or you could consider one of the many inexpensive gadgets now available such as hand warmers, heated insoles or insulating sleeves to keep drinks hot.

There are a few things that we cannot accept in the parcels. In particular, please remember that we can’t include used or second-hand items in the gift boxes. Also, please don’t include any personal information about yourself, although you are very welcome to include a festive message or a card as part of your gift.

You may want to think about decorating your parcel, perhaps with some Christmas wrapping paper or other seasonal designs. This could be an activity that the whole family can get involved with. Please don’t seal the boxes, as we will need to check the contents. Simply use a string or rubber band to hold the lid in place.

Perhaps your workplace, school, social club or sports team would like to gather together some Christmas boxes as part of your festive celebrations. If so, we’d be happy to provide some posters. Why not share your seasonal cheer on social media using the hashtag #GiftBoxAppeal.

There are many locations across Wales where you can drop off your gift boxes. The addresses are listed below. They will be collected after December 1 and distributed by the three participating charities over the Christmas season.

We are really excited to have this opportunity to spread some festive magic to people who might otherwise feel alone at this special time of year. We can’t wait to see your amazing gift parcels!

How you can Help in Four Steps:

1. Find a shoebox and wrap the box and lid separately in Christmas paper.
2. Fill the shoebox with gifts.
3. Don’t seal the box, but please attach a label marking whether your box is for a male, female or generic.
4. Drop it off at your local Care & Repair office – see list below. (or contact them to see if they can arrange a pickup).

Our Gift Box Drop-off Locations:

Bridgend

Care & Repair Bridgend, Avon Court, Cowbridge Road, Bridgend CF31 3SR (Google Map link)

Phone number: 01656 646755

Cardiff

Care & Repair Cymru, 1st Floor, Mariners House, Trident Court, East Moors Road, Cardiff CF24 5TD (Google Map link)

Phone number: 02920 107580

Ferndale

Care & Repair Cwm Taf, 38-39 Duffryn Street, Ferndale, Rhondda Cynon Taf CF43 4ER (Google Map link)

Phone number: 01443 755696

Llanelli

Care & Repair Carmarthenshire, 3 Eastgate, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA15 3YF (Google Map link)

Phone number: 01554 744300

Pontypool

Care & Repair Monmouthshire and Torfaen, S2, Sycamore Suite, Caerleon House, Mamhilad Park Estate, Pontypool NP4 0HZ (Google Map link)

Phone number: 01495 745936

St Asaph

Conwy and Denbighshire Care & Repair, Unit 10/11 Ffordd Richard Davies, St Asaph Business Park, St Asaph, Denbighshire LL17 0LJ (Google Map link)

Phone number: 0300 111 2120

Swansea

Care & Repair Western Bay, Llys Tawe Complex, Players Industrial Estate, Clydach, Swansea, SA6 5BQ (Google Map link)

Phone number: 01792 798599

More Info and More Drop-off Locations!

Age Cymru and Age Connects also have locations where you can send your gift boxes. Click the button below to go to the Age Cymru appeal web page with more information and more drop-off locations.