Christmas in a shoebox: Pack your packages in Amberg now!

Christmas in a shoebox: Pack your packages in Amberg now!

The pre-Christmas season is just around the corner, and that means that the “Christmas in a Shoebox” campaign is starting again in Amberg and Amberg-Sulzbach. From October 1, 2025, all helpers and donors can hand in their gift boxes at around 20 collection points in the region. OberpfalzEcho reports that the official submission week this year is November 10th to 17th.

Overall, various institutions in Amberg are taking part in the campaign. In addition to several physiotherapy practices and the Käfer pharmacies, the Seidl Dance School will also provide a collection point. Further information about the exact locations can be found on the Samaritan’s Purse website and by calling the hotline +49 (0)30-76 883 883.

What's behind the campaign?

“Christmas in a Shoebox” is a collection campaign organized by the American aid organization Samaritan’s Purse and has been carried out in German-speaking countries since 1996. The initiative was originally launched by Dave Cooke in 1990 and has been supported by Samaritan's Purse since 1993. The gift boxes collected go mainly to Eastern Europe, particularly Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine. The packages are distributed there by local church communities as part of Christmas celebrations, explains Wikipedia.

The boxes should be filled with new gifts such as toys, school supplies, toiletries and clothing. Participants are also expected to put a personal message in the boxes. The target groups are children aged 2-4, 5-9 and 10-14 years. The cost of sending the gifts amounts to around 10.78 euros per child receiving a gift - a reduction of 1.5% compared to the previous year, despite rising energy costs and inflation.

The meaning of the action

Since its founding in 1993, over 230 million gift boxes have been distributed in more than 170 countries. Whether participants from private households, schools or church institutions, everyone is warmly invited to take part in this valuable campaign. The gifts often consist of stuffed animals, writing materials and sweets to make the children happy. However, it is important to note that witchy and magical items are undesirable.

The gifts are usually distributed by Christian communities, which also provide faith-based courses for interested children and their families. While some critics denounce the connection between gifts and Christian proselytization, the overwhelming response to the campaign shows that the heart of the campaign - bringing joy and hope to the hearts of children - is the focus for many.

Anyone who wants to do something good has the opportunity to make others happy in a simple way. Donations to cover shipping costs can be transferred to the donation account DE12 3706 0193 5544 3322 11. Providing the donor's address is necessary for a donation confirmation.

For anyone who wants to help, now is the ideal time to design a shoebox and make a sign of charity. Let's make the world a little brighter together.