This year’s Shoebox Project was a huge success, with more than $100,000 worth of basic necessities distributed to people in need.
We want to thank Shoebox Project sponsors Southwest Research Institute, Proctor & Gamble, H-E-B, Atlas Roofing, ADKF and Marathon Petroleum.
Our Impact and Nonprofit partners requested thousands of shoeboxes filled with daily essentials like toiletries, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, baby wipes, shampoo, tampons, deodorant and more. These everyday items may seem insignificant to most but access to them can be a challenge for many in our community.
The lack of these basic necessities can negatively affect an individual’s mental health and put their physical well-being at risk, especially for our community’s children, veterans, elderly and houseless populations.
“Many times we don’t realize how simple it is to give back to our communities,” said Shoebox Project volunteer Harold Huff, Major U.S. Army (retired) with the Young Men’s Leadership Academy. “After working with all of the generous donations provided to the United Way it gives perspective on how each of us, in just a little bit of time, can do a tremendous amount to help people in need.”
More than 5,000 shoeboxes, many festively decorated by members of the public, were distributed to 28 local nonprofit agencies that have given them out to the people they serve. 39 different local corporations and more than 500 individuals volunteered to donate, pack and distribute shoeboxes throughout the community.
For the 14% of Bexar County households who earn less than the Federal Poverty Level and the 32% of households who make more than the poverty level but less than the basic cost of living for the county, these daily essentials are often some of the first things they sacrifice in order to survive. That means 46% of households in Bexar County cannot afford these items, which many of us take for granted. The Shoebox Project is our effort to bring peace of mind to these households by providing a helping hand.
At any given moment, anyone can experience life-altering events like job loss, hunger, rising rent, fire or natural disasters. These types of crises often have a ripple effect on people’s lives, impacting their job, education, health and safety. The Shoebox Project serves United Way’s Safety Net Impact Area, which aims to meet the immediate needs of people in crisis to stabilize them while they recover.
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Categories: Volunteer |
