FCJ Bunclody Students Lead Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal

Students at FCJ Secondary School in Bunclody have helped collect more than 30,000 Christmas shoeboxes for children affected by poverty over the past two decades.

The remarkable total has been built up by generations of Transition Year students at the school, with the boxes distributed through Team Hope to children in Africa and Eastern Europe.

In one year alone, FCJ Bunclody collected a record 3,000 shoeboxes.

As Team Hope launches its 2026 Christmas Shoebox Appeal, students at the Wexford school are once again encouraging local primary schools and communities to get involved.

Transition Year pupils return to their former primary schools across Wexford, Carlow and Wicklow to promote the campaign and encourage younger students to take part.

Teacher and Transition Year co-ordinator Catherine Doyle said the school relies heavily on support from its feeder primary schools and that students are always enthusiastic about collecting as many boxes as possible.

Shoeboxes generally include four categories of gifts — something to wear, something to wash with, something to write or draw with, and a “wow” gift such as a toy or sweets.

Seventeen-year-old student Annie Kavanagh said the project brings great satisfaction to those involved, knowing the gifts will go to children who may otherwise receive nothing at Christmas.

Team Hope hopes to send 200,000 shoeboxes from Ireland this year, having delivered its three-millionth shoebox gift in 2025.

Schools, businesses, sporting organisations, community groups and individuals can all take part in the campaign.

People can make up their own shoebox or donate €25 to have a box created and delivered on their behalf, while completed boxes can also be dropped off at Mr Price stores nationwide.

More information is available through Team Hope.