FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County has launched the 12th annual Shoebox Project, a basic necessities drive that needs donations and volunteers from the community to make a difference for people in need.
With the Shoebox Project, United Way packages everyday essential items like toothbrushes, hand sanitizer, toiletries and more into colorfully decorated shoeboxes that are then given out to people in need who are served by United Way’s Safety Net Impact partners. With 45% of Bexar County residents living with financial hardship, these basic necessities can provide some financial and emotional relief to children, families, veterans, houseless individuals and elderly in the community.
You can donate basic necessities to United Way until May 8 by:
- Donate $10, $25 or another amount on United Way’s website which will be used to purchase hygiene essentials. Click here to donate.
- By texting “ShoeboxUWSA” to 41444 to donate everyday essentials using your phone.
- You can drop off items at United Way’s office at 700 S. Alamo Street or at the San Antonio Food Bank directly.
- You can also volunteer to assemble and distribute shoeboxes full of basic necessities at the Volunteer Center online.
Not having these daily essentials, which many of take for granted, can have a negative impact on the mental and physical well-being of thousands of residents. In 2025, United Way gave out $86,000 to households in Bexar County and hopes to do so again this year.
Some of the item donations needed include:
- Adhesive bandages
- Baby wipes
- Hair conditioner
- Deodorant
- Combs
- Hand sanitizer
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Tampons
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
If you or someone you know is experiencing financial hardship, difficulties with housing, food insecurity or other challenges to stability, please call United Way’s 2-1-1 Helpline. It is available 24/7/365, is anonymous and completely free. Trained call specialists guide callers on where to find resources that can provide relief barriers to success so they can get back on their feet.
This year’s Shoebox Project is made possible by the generosity of its 2026 sponsors, the San Antonio Food Bank and San Antonio Shoemakers.
For information, visit uwsatx.org. For b-roll of United Way volunteers assembling shoeboxes full of basic necessities for people in the community, please visit the Shoebox Project press kit.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kevin Femmel, Director of Communications for United Way, 210-836-8616, kfemmel@unitedwaysatx.org.
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About United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County
United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County launched its first campaign in 1940 and has grown into the largest private investor in health and human services programs in San Antonio and Bexar County. United Way focuses on preparing children for school and life, helping students graduate and succeed, strengthening the well-being of individuals and families, and providing safety net services. United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County also operates the 2-1-1 Helpline, Mission United and fosters volunteerism through the Volunteer Center at United Way. Check our newsroom online for more United Way news.
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Categories: Press Releases |
