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Hazel Green I.M.B. M.B.E. Shoe Box Appeal.


Find out about Hazel's charity work


Read one reader's response to our article about Hazel below:

"I was very moved by your article in the Summer`s edition of the magazine and met Hazel to donate knitting wool. What a wonderful woman she is and what a worthy cause, helping both the inmates of New Hall prison and the underprivileged children in several parts of the World.

"After meeting her, I wanted to do more and told my adult family members they would not be getting Xmas presents this year but I was going to donate gifts, toys, writing paper etc. to the Shoe Box Appeal in their names. They all approved of this idea and decided to join in and do likewise."

Janice Warhurst
4 July 2011

(Ed: at the time of writing, we hear Hazel is unwell and wish her a speedy recovery.)

Hazel Green was a member of the Independent Monitoring Board of New Hall Prison for 26 years, and when she decided to step down from that role, she volunteered to work for the Chaplaincy at the prison, which involves visiting the prison twice a week.

She and her daughter work with residents, other volunteers and the Chaplaincy team from New Hall to send shoe boxes of presents to Belarus, Mozambique, and Romania for Christmas. These children have very little and from the photographs that Hazel showed me, the joy on the children’s faces on opening their boxes was immense.

Hazel desperately needs knitting wool and would gratefully receive any donations of unwanted wool. She joins a group of about 20 residents at the prison who she helps to supervise as they knit hats, scarves, bags and dolls which go into the shoe boxes. This work gives the residents a sense of purpose and well being and they also purchase goods for the boxes from the prison shop with their own money.

The items which go into the boxes include new toys, educational supplies and hygiene items. A comprehensive list of goods that can be sent follows this article. No liquids or chocolate can be sent, and any sweets must have a sell-by date of March the following year.

Hazel told me that paper is rolled into 10 sheets which the children use, then rub out their work and re-use again and again until the paper is worn out. Hazel receives many contributions, and any monies she has donated are used to purchase extra gifts.

Christmas card are also made, and the boxes are covered. The serious packing of the boxes starts in August when they are filled according to age and sex. They are then sent to a collection point at Meltham where they are checked again. Each box cost £2 to reach it destination; last year 415 boxes were filled and dispatched.

As well as donating knitting wool, if you can help in any way please contact Hazel on 01924 260803.

List of articles
Hats, gloves, toothpaste, talcum powder, toothbrush, solid deodorant, yoyos, dominoes, balls, hair ornaments, ribbons, bobbles etc., hair brushes, combs, friendship bracelets, purses, bags, soft toys, small model cars, stationery, felt tips, crayons, pencils, erasers, rulers, biros, colouring books, notebooks, writing pads,(not wire bound), paper, envelopes, pencil sharpeners.

Boys toys i.e. cars, travel games, snap games.

Girls toys i.e. dolls

Tissues, sweets (never wrapped in foil), girls make-up, and plastic mirrors, picture books, hankies, jewellery, cards, glitter.

All clothing children's sizes.

Cards, stickers, wrapping paper, small figures, puzzles.

Contact Information
Telephone. Hazel on 01924 260803