Joy in a Box
Christmas Giftboxes
Working with Romanian people
to bring help to the needy,
hope through the Christian message
and co-operation through joint ventures
We organised our first giftbox appeal in 1999 and were amazed at the generous level of support we received. We were able to send over 500 giftboxes to Romania in that first year, and they were very gratefully received. People helping to distribute them told of families being overcome at the thought of someone in the UK thinking of them and wanting to help in this way.
The idea is for a person or family in the UK to fill a small box with items for a Romanian family and for us to transport it to Romania in time to give the giftboxes to those in most need just before Christmas.
We are certainly not alone in organising giftbox appeals for Romania, yet this does not reduce the need, since poverty and unemployment are still major problems in the Dorohoi area, and for many people these many be the only gifts that they get at Christmas.
The project appeals to people of all ages – we have many schools supporting it, as well as more senior groups and individuals.
...
To deliver gifts at Christmas time to those who will appreciate them most.
To provide an easy way for a wide range of people to help Romania in a small way.
To put UK families and individuals in contact with Romanian families.
To show the love of God through these actions.
...
We have produced a 'Joy in a Box' information pack that allows local co-ordinators to organise giftboxes and explains what is needed.
We ask for a small donation (£1) with each giftbox to help cover the transportation costs. This helps to cover the cost of the fuel when we take them to Romania.
Alternatively, we can accept donations specifically designated for giftboxes, which can be made up by our local team and thereby support the local economy.
...
The 'Joy in a Box' project works through the efforts of many local co-ordinators and individuals who support the scheme. Through organising their schools, churches or clubs, many giftboxes are prepared. They are then stored until the autumn and taken to Romania before the start of winter. At Christmas, our staff distribute the gifts to those he knows are in most need. These are often families with little or no income and several children.
...
In 1999 the 500 giftboxes brought a great deal of joy into the lives of many families.
In 2000 over 1,000 boxes were distributed.
In 2001 we had problems arising from the Foot & Mouth epidemic, but we were still able to take over 800 boxes complying with the new regulations. In addition, sponsorship allowed us to make up a further 200 gift packs for youth groups using locally purchased items.
In 2002 gift boxes were given to the families and individuals that have registered with Asociatia Neemia and received aid during the year. In addition, boxes were provided to local churches for distribution and given to the Boys' Home, whilst sponsorship allowed us to provide extra fruit for the boys there.
In 2004 the gifts were given to schools and a children's home. Some of the children from the home then repacked their boxes with toys from previous years and took them to poorer families in the town.
In 2005 priority for the gift boxes were given to the families and individuals that have registered with Asociatia Neemia and received aid during the year. These people who are well known to our aid distribution team and will include the most needy in the area. Additional boxes were taken to local schools for distribution amongst the school children.
In 2006 we were able to distribute some 3,000 boxes in conjunction with Mustard Seed Ministries in Eastbourne. Even that many wasn't enough and some people had to go without.
Later in the year we will be collecting the boxes in Lampeter and Horley, pending collation and packing for dispatch to Romania. 3,000 is a big target to beat, but each individual box will bring pleasure to someone at Christmas time.
...
To continue to find support for the project each year.
To ensure that all of the giftboxes get transported to Romania in time for Christmas.
To organise the distribution so that the gifts will reach more needy people each year.
...
It is our hope to continue with 'Joy in a Box' as an annual event, and also promote an idea for similar gifts at other times of year, such as a class pack of stationery for schools.
For further information about this project please visit our dedicated website at www.RoAFAN.org.
