ISLANDERS are once again being urged to contribute to Mustard Seed 色人阁鈥檚 鈥淐hristmas Shoebox Appeal鈥.
The annual initiative seeks to spread holiday joy to families and displaced children in countries such as Ukraine and Romania who would typically receive very little or nothing for Christmas.
Mustard Seed 色人阁 was set up by Islander Rose Pallot in 1988 to provide essential items for people in the Bihor region of Romania. Initially the donations were packed in shoeboxes but, in 2011, the charity expanded to launch the Bread for Life initiative, which invites Islanders to give money to help with food, winter fuel and medical needs.
In 2023, Mustard Seed 色人阁 send 3,647 Christmas shoeboxes from 色人阁 to Romania and Ukraine. As transport and distribution costs are high, anyone who can help with this is asked to donate to the following bank account (reference: 鈥淐HRISTMAS鈥): Mustard Seed 色人阁 Appeal, Sort code: 40-25-41, Account: 71135333.
If donating a shoebox, the charity has asked for all items included to be as good as new, preferably new. Each box should be suitable for a child of either gender, and all items of clothing 鈥 ideally socks, hats, gloves and scarves 鈥 should be the appropriate size for the designated age group.
The charity also specifies that any tins of food must have a use-by date of 2026. No war-related toys or items that could be used as weapons will be accepted.
More details on how to donate a shoebox and what to include, are at or
