Antique Wooden Penny-A-Week Childrens Society Box / Collection / Offering c.1940

A charming early to mid 20th century society collection box, the "penny-a-week" charity collection box was issued by the Church of England. 

The charity was originally founded in late 19th century by a Sunday school teacher and was known as the "Waifs and Strays Society". In 1946 the organisation was rebranded to "The Church of England Children's Society". 

These wooden and paper wrapped boxes were distributed to households, church halls and schools and promoted a "penny a week" system, encouraging regular small donations rather than large, unaffordable ones. 

The box features an image of a child alongside text reading "Over 5,200 children now in our care" and encouraging messages such as "Give them a fair chance" and "Help us to help them".

The top has a money slot for donations to be put through. 

Now makes great collectors pieces - would look striking displayed as a collection when you have several of them all with different designs displayed together. 

Original paper coverings.