Holiday in a Box is an annual campaign started in 2021 spearheaded by the Saint John Police in partnership with the Five Priority Neighbourhoods in Saint John.
Find a new or slightly used shoe box and fill it with holiday items: necessities and small gifts. Drop off your box at Saint John Police headquarters before the end of day December 15th – their staff wrap them and turn them back over to representatives from the Five Priority Neighbourhoods to distribute. Assisting those who are most vulnerable.
Adults in the city who are less fortunate can often feel disconnected and alone, even during the holiday season. The Holiday in a Box Campaign provides a way to connect in a special and meaningful way, with the collection and distribution of gift-filled shoe boxes.
Challenge family, sports team, club, shop, individual and corporations!
Suggested items:
- toothpaste
- deodorant
- soap
- brush
- socks
- gloves
- hats
- washcloths
- bus passes
- pens and notebook
- small tool kit
- deck of cards
- non- perishable treats
- gift cards to coffee shop or dollar store
- small backpacks or bags
- sanitary products
- small crosswords
- nail files and clippers
- empty shoe boxes
To be part of this very important initiative, drop off your thoughtfully created undecorated shoe boxes at
Saint John Police Force
1 Peel Plaza
Saint John, NB
Drop Off Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:00am to 4:30pm
Deadline: December 15, 2025
Thank you to Community Partners for distributing the boxes:
Carleton Community Centre
Crescent Valley Resource Centre P.U.L.S.E. Inc., Saint John
The ONE Change Inc.
The Waterloo Village Neighbourhood Association
2021 – 467 boxes collected and distributed
2022 – 675 boxes and 200 gift cards collected and distributed
2023 – 575 boxes collected and 65 gift cards collected and distributed
2024 – 600 boxes collected and 225 gift cards collected and distributed
