Sheila’s Boxes - A Decade of Kindness

Sheila’s Boxes is a powerful example of how a simple idea can grow into something truly meaningful.

Since 2017, this initiative has provided vital support to people experiencing homelessness across Belfast, with donations of food, clothing, sleeping bags and toiletries delivered to The Welcome Organisation. What began as a personal act of kindness has become a sustained and inspiring community effort.

Over the past ten years, the generosity behind Sheila’s Boxes has made a real difference to the individuals and families we support every day. The contributions; whether large or small, have helped ensure that essential items reach those who need them most.

We are incredibly grateful for the continued commitment shown by everyone involved. Initiatives like this highlight the impact of community action and the compassion that exists across our city.

Una, Sheila’s daughter, shared how the initiative began:

“Sheila’s Boxes started in 2017 following the death of my lovely, kind-hearted mother Sheila who would never have passed a homeless person without stopping to help them.

Instead of giving up something for Lent that year, we decided to DO something and the idea was to put aside one item of tinned food for the 40 days of Lent and then take the box of food to The Welcome Organisation.

I posted this idea on Facebook to my family and friends and the response from people wanting to join in was fantastic - and so Sheila’s Boxes was born!

Over the ten years, with the guidance and support of Kieran Hughes from Welcome, family and friends

and some total strangers have donated what I believe must be close to £20,000 worth of food, sleeping bags, clothes and toiletries.

I can’t begin to express my thanks to everyone who got involved in ten years of Sheila’s Boxes but THANK YOU to you all.”