United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County’s 8th Annual Shoebox Project, sponsored by Blue Cares, was a tremendous success with over 7,000 shoeboxes full of everyday toiletries delivered to people in need.
The project aims to provide shoeboxes filled with basic comforts like soap, shampoo, toothpaste and other personal-care items to those in need locally. These boxes can provide valuable, temporary relief to people who have to make hard choices daily.
The campaign ran from March 1 to April 29 and had the following:
- More than 350 volunteers
- 51 local agencies signed up to distribute boxes to their clients
- Over 7,000 total shoeboxes given out
- A total monetary value of $175,000 in everyday essentials were distributed
For everyone in our community experiencing challenges accessing running water or reliable shelter, hygiene can be a challenge. This can negatively affect their mental health and put their physical well-being at risk. Basic comforts like the everyday toiletries included in each shoebox provide a helping hand to San Antonio’s children, veterans, elderly and houseless populations.
With 14% of households in Bexar County living below the Federal Poverty Level and 44% of households earning less than the basic cost of living, programs like this are more important than ever.
“The Shoebox Project hits close to home,” said Amanda Gonzalez, Executive Director of Blue Cares. “Our mission is to help underprivileged families in the community and we engage with other organizations like United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County to give back and help advance our community forward.”
The success of this year’s Shoebox campaign was made possible by hundreds of volunteers, Blue Cares and other sponsors including BCFS San Antonio, the San Antonio Food Bank, H-E-B, P&G, San Antonio Shoemakers and USAA.
“The Shoebox Project is a tremendous benefit for the children and families we serve,” said Laura Guerrero, a Social Worker at Tafolla Middle School. “The boxes are decorated by volunteers, so when a family or student receives one, I love to see their smiles! We are truly thankful to our great San Antonio community for their support!”
