A Simple Shoebox Brought Joy, Inspiring a Latvian Family to Give Back
Christmas in Latvia a quarter-century ago was a time of hardship for the Straume family. A devastating fire ripped through their home, leaving them with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Forced to seek refuge first in a dilapidated farmhouse and then squeezing into a single room in their grandmother’s home, they embraced the holiday season with the little they had.
Despite the adversity, Signe Straume’s parents were determined to bring a spark of joy to their three children’s Christmas. A single shoebox, overflowing with unexpected treasures, arrived just in time to restore their faith in holiday magic. “My brother was mad at me because I took the wrong box at first,” Signe recalls. “There were crayons, markers, and a teddy bear, but I specifically remember the candy canes because we never saw anything like that in Latvia before.”
This "Christmas miracle," as Signe describes it, deeply touched the family, tracing a path straight to their hearts and impacting their future. It came from Philadelphia, USA, although their initial attempt at a thank-you letter was met with silence.
Years later, a remarkable chain of events led Signe and her husband Marcin to relocate to Newbridge, Ireland. Here, Signe stumbled across posters for the Christmas Shoebox Appeal—an initiative that resonated deeply with her childhood experience.
The Shoebox Appeal, also known as Team Hope, has been uplifting spirits for over three decades. Originating in Wales, it now distributes millions of shoeboxes filled with gifts and essential items to children in Africa and Europe.
The memory of her family’s cherished shoebox ignited a fire in Signe’s heart. “Straight away I remembered the candy canes in the one I got, so I started putting together 10 boxes for boys and 10 for girls each year," she remembers.
Signe’s dedication to the cause grew with each passing year, and now with her family by her side, she is able to double her efforts. "My mother Inga has knitted over 250 teddy bears, and probably 170 hats by now," she shares, beaming with pride.
Her daughter Nicole (9), a student at St Conleth’s and St Mary’s NS in Newbridge, has also embraced the spirit of giving. (Nicole’s previous involvement in yarn bombing for the local JuneFest even landed her in the local newspaper).
"She’s been in the papers before," Signe confirms with a smile, "helping Annie Morris with the yarn bombing for JuneFest."
This Christmas marks Signe’s fourth year as a Team Hope volunteer at the Newbridge checking center. “This year we’re opposite the Garda Station, but we change every year to somewhere that’s empty for a few weeks,” she explains.
"There are 50 centers all over Ireland. It’s a big, big thing," she says, emphasizing the enormity of the operation.
Signe understands the profound impact a single shoebox can have, a sentiment echoed in her words: “I know exactly how those kids feel. The impact of one box—you remember it your whole life. It’s a blessing to be able to help.”
This year, Signe, her mother, and Marcin filled a van with donated items—clothing, stationery, toys, and hair accessories for girls, ensuring each box is a thoughtful compilation.
"No liquids, no chocolates, biscuits, or crisps though,” she cautions. "Liquids can spill, chocolate melts in Africa, and those snacks would just be dust by the time they get there.” They do include plenty of hard candies though— “loads of jellies, lolly pops, boiled sweets, stuff that doesn’t melt!”
“I don’t need any thanks, I do it for the kids – same as my mam, my husband, and my daughter," Signe affirms.
While the deadline for dropping off physical shoeboxes has passed, there’s still time to participate through Team Hope’s online platform (teamhope.ie). You can build a virtual shoebox and have it delivered in time for Christmas.
