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We’re Supporting S.M.I.L.E London & Essex’s Christmas Shoebox Appeal

We’re Supporting S.M.I.L.E London & Essex’s Christmas Shoebox Appeal

We’ve partnered with children’s charity S.M.I.L.E London & Essex this Christmas, to help bring festive joy to thousands of vulnerable children and families facing poverty, homelessness and hardship.

From 9am on Monday 2nd November until 6pm on Monday 23rd November, members of the public, clients, local businesses and community groups will be able to donate new toys, gifts and games at six Durden & Hunt branches across London and Essex. (For full opening hours and addresses, see further below).

Durden & Hunt branches in Wanstead, Loughton, Hornchurch, Ongar, Colchester and Leigh-on-Sea will become official drop-off points for S.M.I.L.E’s Christmas Shoebox Gift Appeal, making it easier for local communities to support children who may otherwise go without this Christmas.

The existing S.M.I.L.E charity hub in Romford, Essex will open at 10am on Monday 2nd November and remain open for donations until 4pm on Friday 27th November, with their drop-off hours being 10 - 4pm, Monday - Saturday.

There are two simple ways to support the appeal. Donors can either choose an age group and create a Christmas shoebox filled with suitable gifts, or simply bring new toys and gifts to one of the Durden & Hunt branches or S.M.I.L.E hub, where the teams will take care of the rest.

S.M.I.L.E supports children and families living in temporary accommodation across London and Essex, including families staying in homeless hostels. Gifts collected through the appeal will be delivered to partner hostels from the beginning of December.

To kick-start the campaign and show the founder’s commitment from day one, Durden & Hunt have also made an initial contribution, donating hundreds of brand-new toys and gifts to the appeal.

Furthermore, for every valuation booked during the campaign, across all branches, Durden & Hunt will donate an additional £10 to the charity. To support this fantastic cause, clients should simply mention ‘S.M.I.L.E’ when booking.

James Hunt, Founder of Durden & Hunt, said: “Christmas is a time when people naturally want to do something for those who may be struggling and we wanted to make it as easy as possible for people in our communities to get involved.

“S.M.I.L.E do such amazing work across London and Essex, supporting children and families experiencing homelessness and hardship and we know that something as simple as receiving a Christmas gift can bring a real sense of joy and normality.

“Our branches are at the heart of the communities we serve, so opening our doors as local drop-off points felt like a simple but meaningful way for our clients, colleagues and neighbours to come together and make a difference.

“We’re looking forward to seeing our local communities get behind the appeal. Our aim is to collect as many gifts as possible, alongside our own donation and help make Christmas a little brighter for children and families who need it most.”

Maria Quaife, C.E.O of S.M.I.L.E London & Essex, said: “Last year, thanks to the incredible generosity of our partners and supporters, more than 2,500 children received a Christmas gift and for some, it was the only present they opened on Christmas morning.

“This year, we want to reach even more children, and our partnership with Durden & Hunt will help us bring the appeal directly into the communities where people live and work, opening the door to so many more opportunities for people across London and Essex to give back.

“Christmas can be an especially difficult time for families experiencing homelessness or financial hardship. A gift may seem like a small thing, but for a child it can mean so much. It tells them that they are remembered, valued and not forgotten.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Durden & Hunt and everyone who takes the time to donate. Together, we can help make sure more children experience the excitement and happiness of opening a present from Santa this Christmas.”

During the campaign dates, donations can be dropped off Monday – Friday, between 9am and 6pm, and Saturdays between *12-2pm at the following locations:

  • Durden & Hunt Wanstead

1 High Street, Wanstead, E11 2AA

  • Durden & Hunt Loughton

309 High Road, Loughton, IG10 1AL

  • Durden & Hunt Hornchurch

159 High Street, Hornchurch, RM11 3YD

  • Durden & Hunt Leigh-on-Sea

123–125 Broadway West, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 2BU

  • Durden & Hunt Colchester

1–3 Crouch Street, Colchester, CO3 3EN

  • Durden & Hunt Ongar

142 High Street, Ongar, CM5 9JH

And Monday – Saturday, between 10am and 4pm, at the following location:

  • S.M.I.L.E London & Essex Hub

40 High Street, Romford, RM1 1HR

All drop-off points will be open for donations from Monday 2nd November until Monday 23rd November.

The S.M.I.L.E hub will remain open for donations until 4pm on Friday 27th November.

*Durden & Hunt may be able to accept deliveries on a Saturday outside of these hours, just call ahead to your local branch.

Guidance for donating a Christmas shoebox…

The appeal caters for children and families across the following age groups:

  • 0–2 years

  • 3–6 years

  • 7–12 years

  • 13–16 years

  • Parents

Suggested gifts can include something to read, eat, make, play with or wear, such as:

  • Books, annuals and graphic novels

  • Dolls, teddies and soft toys

  • Toy cars, trucks and animals

  • Craft sets and colouring supplies

  • Building sets

  • School supplies

  • Travel games

  • Make-up, fragrance and age-appropriate personal care items

  • Hygiene products

  • Hats, gloves and scarves

  • Fluffy socks

  • Chocolate, sweets and other festive treats

All donated items must be brand new and in their original packaging or with original labels.

If you are putting together a shoebox, please:

  • Include a small note indicating the age group and gender the box is intended for.

  • Keep the lid separate from the base rather than fully wrapping the box. This allows volunteers to check the contents and make sure the gift is suitable before it reaches a child.

  • Ensure all items are new, unused and appropriately packaged.

Please avoid:

  • Used items or items without tags.

  • Sharp objects.

  • Personal cards or messages to the recipient, as gifts will be delivered as presents from Santa.

Can't make it to a drop-off point? No problem, S.M.I.L.E London & Essex also welcomes financial donations, which help the charity support families facing poverty, homelessness and hardship.

To make a financial donation, visit: www.smilelondonessex.com/donate-funds

Follow @DurdenandHunt and @SmileLondonEssex for campaign updates.

Thank you for your support!