The Simcoe Shoebox Project for Women needs your generosity heading into the Dec. 1 deadline.
The Shoebox Project For Shelters is a national organization started in 2011 that tries to make Christmas special for women displaced from their homes and who are staying at shelters.
Today from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., you can drop off your shoebox gift donations to the Barrie City Hall Rotunda where organizer Shannon Murree will gladly take whatever you can give. In Orillia, donations can be dropped off until 2 p.m. at AG Secure Property Management, 79 Mississaga St. W., main floor, or 89.1 Max FM, 490 West St. N., Suite 2.
Murree has been the national organization’s local organizer since 2013 and says after acquiring and delivering over 480 boxes last year, she hopes to have a last-minute rush Friday.
“Our numbers are a down, but we’re not out,” said Murree. “City hall is graciously allowing us to use the space and we’re hoping to make it a one-stop-drop-off for anyone who can come by with either items or money donations.”
When it comes to what to put in the shoebox or what to bring to the drop off, the Shoebox Project For Shelters website has a list of items, from comfortable fuzzy socks to shampoo and conditioner and beauty care items.
The idea is to have women who have had to leave their homes be able to open a shoebox present filled with things that would make a woman smile, including a personalized note if you feel up to it. Murree assures it will be much appreciated.
“As single mother, I know how tough it can be and truthfully a box full of little items like the ones we’re asking for would make a woman’s whole Christmas,” she said. “Having a fancy journal or some chocolate to open may be a small thing to the rest of us, but would mean the world to a woman who feels alone at Christmas.”
Murree will take the donations and she and her team will sort and organize them to be ready for delivery to the region’s shelters. For a list items to put into your shoebox, head to the Simcoe County website at www.shoeboxproject.com/simcoe.
