A toothbrush, a pair of socks, a packet of biscuits: how your trolley could warm a homeless person’s winter in Malaga

An extra item in your supermarket trolley could bring real comfort to someone sleeping rough on the Costa del Sol. A community appeal is asking residents and local businesses to help fill hundreds of shoeboxes with essentials for homeless people in Malaga.

Who is behind the shoebox appeal?

Collections are being run to help local resident Mia Wallace, who will put the boxes together herself so that everyone receives a fair mix of useful essentials and small treats. Property management company Indigo Niños has also backed the appeal among the expat community.

Organisers say last year’s boxes showed how much a simple gift can mean to someone with very little. This year, they want to reach even more people.

What can you donate?

Nobody needs to fill a whole box or spend a fortune. A single toothbrush, pair of socks or packet of biscuits will be gratefully received.

Items fall into three categories:

Personal care: toothbrushes and toothpaste, small bars of soap, flannels, mini hand sanitisers, small packets of wet wipes, roll-on deodorants, lip balm, small hand creams, tissues, combs, nail clippers, sanitary pads and tampons.
Warmth and practical essentials: socks, gloves, hand warmers, reusable water bottles, small torches and keyring lights (with batteries), pocket notebooks, pens and plasters.
Food and little treats: pot noodles, cup-a-soup sachets, instant porridge sachets, small cartons of long-life drinks, breakfast and cereal bars, small packs of crackers, biscuits, chocolate bars and individually wrapped sweets.

Where can you drop off donations?

Two official drop-off points have been named in Mijas:

Hot Off the Press Laundry, Los Jarales, Calahonda, near Mercadona
The Laundry Lounge, Jardin Botanico

Readers in other areas have asked about options on social media. Some volunteers have kindly offered to help and suggested El Faro, Marbella opposite Opium beach, and La Trocha market on Sundays. These arrangements are unconfirmed, so donors should check in advance.

Can local businesses help?

Organisers would love firms to join in. Bulk donations of toiletries, socks or chocolates would go a long way towards the target.

Sharing the post with friends, neighbours and local businesses is the quickest way to bring in more donations. Mia and her team have thanked everyone involved, and a little kindness from the community could make a cold Malaga night feel a bit less harsh for someone who needs it. For more information and to confirm collection points, visit the Indigo Niños Facebook page.