Shoebox Ministry

Shoebox Sunday is Sunday, December 7, 2025! You are invited to help the less fortunate living in and around Ridgefield by providing a Christmas Shoebox filled with age-appropriate gifts to those in need!

We are working with Ridgefield Social Services and ARC (Association of Religious Communities) to distribute our Christmas Shoeboxes locally. We need boxes for children AND older adults.

There are three ways to help this year! Pick up shoeboxes at Jesse Lee Church and fill them with gifts (suggested items are listed below), donate individual items to be used in shoeboxes in the wicker basket in the Narthex, or make a gift to support Shoebox Ministry (select “Shoeboxes” as the fund).

Deadline: Shoeboxes can be delivered to the church from Monday, November 24 – Sunday, December 7, 2025

Guidelines: All items must be new (not used). Please pick up custom-made shoeboxes to fill with gifts in the Narthex. Please take as many shoeboxes that you are able to fill and return any that you do not use. You are welcome to continue to use shoeboxes that are wrapped, printed Christmas themed boxes from Michaels, Walmart and Ocean State Job Lot and plastic Sterilite shoebox size plastic containers. Fill the shoebox FULL of approved items (unlike previous years, your box will not be sent to a distribution center to be checked and finished, so please be sure it is complete when you bring it to church). Please don’t include weapons, items of war or easily breakable items such as glass. Gift receipts may be included so that an exchange for size or color may be made. Gift cards may also be included.

Labels: Please download labels to affix to your shoeboxes.

Suggested items for Children: Small toys, school supplies, balls, games, cards, candy, art supplies, books, stuffed animal/doll, mittens, scarves, hats, gloves, hair bands and hairbrush, Christmas ornaments, bows, personal care items, socks, shirts etc., ear buds and phone chargers, string lights, key chains. Pinterest online has many creative ideas as well.

Suggested items for Older Adults: Chapstick, slippers, fancy tissues, mints, flashlight/batteries, socks, gloves, hats, scarves, puzzle books, hard candy, pens/pencils, greeting cards, stamps, notecards, hand cream, personal care items, nail care set, Christmas ornaments, games, playing cards, candles, jewelry items, gift cards.

If you have not already dropped your shoebox off at church, plan on bringing it to church on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. so that it may be presented at the altar and then distributed from there.