Friday, 16 November 2007

Twinkle, Sparkle, Shine!

Christmas is always an exciting time here at Toybox, and this year is no different. This is the time of year our supporters join in the fun of the Toybox Star Appeal - a great way to engage with street children in Latin America. You and your friends, family, or coworkers can get out your pritt sticks, glitter, ribbons - whatever! - and decorate little stars to send to the street children we work with in Guatemala and Bolivia.

You'd be amazed to see the lengths a child who has no food, no shelter, no anything will go to keep their little stars safe. Knowing that someone (that's you!) thousands of miles away cares about them and is praying for them means the world to a child on the streets.

Do something different...
We all want to buy presents for our friends and family, but sometimes the commercialism of Christmas is overwhelming. Do you ever feel like we've just lost the plot? Toybox Alternative Gifts are a great way to let your loved ones know you're thinking of them, while also giving a street child a chance at a brighter future. Here are just a few of the Alternative Gifts we have on offer:

Star - The chance to shine!
School is a luxury when you're the poorest of the poor and battling to survive. We help children and teenagers gain recognised qualifications to build their future. Just £10!

Grace - A chance to build new life
It's tough to recover from street life and start again. Help us give older children the chance to build a new life. £18

Snuggle - A safe, comfortable place to stay
The pavement for a pillow, a cardboard box for a shelter, or an old mattress in the rubble. But it needn't be like that. We want to offer street children everything they need to be safe and comfortable - a bed, food, clothes, and a new family to care for them. £15 could provide this for a child for a week.

Want to know more? Visit our website to order one of these alternative gifts and see our entire range.

When you order a gift, we'll send you a card and a friendship bracelet(left), so you have something to give your loved ones for Christmas.

It doesn't take much to make a world of difference for a street child. Do it, and make this Christmas SHINE.