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Find a home for Sooty

Join our amazing community of volunteers who help RNIB raise thousands of pounds each year for blind and partially sighted people by collecting Sooty Box donations.

RNIB volunteers Alan and Janet on a sofa, smiling and counting donations from Sooty Boxes.

We need your help finding new homes for Sooty Boxes across the UK, so sign up today to become a Sooty Box volunteer in your community or host a Sooty Box at your business!

Join us! Become a Sooty volunteer

Join our community of incredible volunteer Sooty Box collectors and help us give blind and partially sighted people the support they need.

RNIB urgently needs volunteers to collect and bank donations received through our Sooty Boxes, which play a vital role in generating much-needed funds and raising our profile in local communities. Last year, volunteers collected over £330,000 from sites across the UK.

The role is completely flexible, can be performed by individuals, pairs or groups and the time you dedicate is entirely up to you and your commitments. You can give your time as little or as often as you like!

Paul's Story

Our dedicated volunteer, Paul, has been a Sooty Box collector for over 13 years. Along with his guide dog, Stevie, he visits businesses in his local area to collect donations. Here, he shares his experience and offers advice for anybody interested in becoming a volunteer:

"I thoroughly enjoy being a Sooty Box collector as I can do it in my own time and be my own boss. It’s great being able to choose when I collect donations and it’s lovely to get out and meet new people. I am always staggered at the amounts the boxes raise and the generosity of the general public; it’s wonderful to see. If you're thinking of becoming a Sooty volunteer, I would simply say do it. You make such a difference to people with sight loss through the amount you collect each year."

Photo of Paul and Stevie (Paul is wearing a straw trilby and dark glasses, Stevie is his guide dog)

Photo of Paul and Stevie (Paul is wearing a straw trilby and dark glasses, Stevie is his guide dog)

Request a Sooty Box for your business

Could you join hundreds of other UK businesses and give a home to a Sooty Box? It's a great way to support blind and partially sighted people without spending a penny. It's also quick and easy to request a box for your office or premises: simply fill in the form below and one of our friendly team will be in touch.

Image of Sooty Box at the front of a counter in a cafe.

Image of Sooty donation box in a cafe.

Businesses like yours have helped raise over £13 million for RNIB since we started collecting Sooty Box donations. Why not join them? Request your Sooty Box today!

How your support makes a difference

Finding out you're losing your sight can be a big shock and many people are left to face this diagnosis alone.

RNIB provides invaluable services for thousands of people every day. From emotional support to practical guidance, we help people live their life with confidence, whatever their level of vision.

Whether you become a Sooty volunteer or host a Box at your business, here are just a few ways the money you collect can make a difference:

  • £100 in collected donations would produce four Children’s Talking Book radio shows, allowing children with sight loss to enjoy a new story, or a classic favourite.
  • £185 in collected donations would allow us to teach a person with sight loss how to use essential tech devices.
  • £250 in collected donations would allow someone to attend a Living with Sight Loss course, helping them meet others, rebuild their confidence and receive critical advice and support.

Help us continue to be there for those who need us. Sign up today to become a Sooty Box volunteer or host a Sooty Box at your business.

Watch our Sooty guide video