The “Shoe-box Campaign”- a shoe box for a smile 
“The idea came to life few years ago, when back at home, in Romania, a friend of mine told
me about the “shoe-box” idea. It was about gathering some presents for needy people in the
simplest way possible: each person who wanted to participate had to prepare a box
containing few things that a less fortunate person would enjoy; from food to clothes and
toys, books, shoes, sweets. The idea spread fast and with the help of friends and family,
people we knew, we tried to make at least one family happy for Christmas. Why now??
Because Christmas is not only about receiving, but also about giving and everyone deserves a
present at least in this time of the year. For me personally, it’s also being thankful for what I
have; for most of us having shoes, clothes to wear, what to eat is usual...and we don’t pay
much attention. Because we’re used to have it. But there are people for whom all these
things are not that common. “
These are the words of Lidia-Andreea Pisaru; a volunteer from Romania which Bunkr hosts
this year; regarding her mini-project “The Shoe-box Campaign” that is developing right now
in Bunkr o.p.s. She came with this idea at the middle of November, and she wanted to help
the homeless people in Trinec. So she gathered a team of workers and volunteers who
helped her make a short informational video for people who wanted to participate and get in
touch with the local service for homeless people, Bethel (organization Slezska Diakonie), who
were very enthusiasted. Within few weeks, with the support of people in Bunkr
organization, we managed to gather a considerable amount of boxes. “Much more than I
expected, which makes me really happy! I want to thank everyone in Bunkr for being so
receptive and helpful.” says Lidia.
Bunkr’s clients were also very receptive to the idea, so together with the social workers they
started a non-formal educational activity; wrapping the boxes and make Christmas cards for
the homeless people. The project development period is 12.11.2015-11.12.2015. On Friday,
11.12.2015, Lidia and social workers from Bunkr and Bethel went on the streets to share the
presents to the homeless people in Trinec.
The Shoe-box Campaign was a huge success, social workers from Bunkr and Bethel managed
to share 18 presents for homeless people on the streets of Trinec, and approximately 15
boxes of food and clothes also went to Bethel in Karvina. These are few of Lidia’s words
regarding the experience: “It was something that I hardly can define in words. We woke up in
the morning to get the packages to the car and we started. Tough it was December, I think
that the weather was also in the mood of making people happy because it was sunny and not
so cold  Homeless people’s reaction was overwhelming…after co-workers translated what
we were doing for them, they ran in tears, thanking and kissing our hands. One homeless
man words that remained in my mind were” it doesn’t even mather what’s in the box, it’s
just nice that someone is thinking of us in time of the year.” I must admit I almost ran into
tears also few times, when I saw their reaction. It’s amazing how much happiness you can
bring in someone’s life by such a small gesture. Another thing that caught my attention was
that sometimes, some of them understood what I told them and answered me in English; for
me this was a surprising thing that a man who speaks English lives in the streets. I also got
the chance to hear some of their life stories, very sad stories, but still the fact that they found
the strength to go on, try to find a job (most of them have part time jobs) makes them an
example we should all consider. It was one of the most beautiful and fulfilling experiences I
ever had in my life. I hope this collaboration won’t end here .”
Here you can find the informational video for her mini-project:
http://ulozto.net/xQ4BDEi1/shoe-box-campaign-wmv