In 2011, four sister-in-laws from Toronto founded The Shoebox Project, a national charity that delivers “little luxuries” to women in shelters around the holidays. Last year, the charity sent 9,100 shoebox gifts to 188 shelters in 26 communities.
Residents of St. Catharines—one of the communities involved in The Shoebox Project—are invited to participate in this year’s filling and wrapping event. Between noon and 2pm this Saturday at the The Host Pub and Grill at 106 Lakeport Rd., bring an unsealed shoebox containing $50-worth of new products that a woman might find useful. Event coordinators expect to receive more than 200 boxes packed and decorated, a substantial display of support for the city’s two women’s shelters this Christmas.
To learn more about The Shoebox Project, visit http://www.shoeboxproject.com/. You can find gift guidelines below, though you may also be interested in the volunteer/sponsorship opportunities listed on the site.
What to Do:
- Ensure the lid is removable from the bottom; decorate so that volunteers may add to or inspect its contents
- Use a shoebox of the following dimensions: 8.5″ x 12.5″ or 7.5″ x 11.5″
- Rip-off or blackout all price-tags; the gifts should not value more than $50 for consistency and fairness’ sake
What to Include
- One-size-fits-all winter apparel (hats, gloves, scarves)
- Teas or gift cards to a local coffee shop (with receipt)
- Chocolates and other peanut-free and alcohol-free holiday treats
- Lotions, soaps, nail polishes, make-up and other appropriate toiletries; no hand sanitizers, mouthwash, candles, foundation or razors
- Transit tokens/passes
- Written messages or self-help/inspiration books
