By Special to the Daily World
United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta is preparing for the seventh annual Shoebox Project. Each year, individuals and organizations throughout metro Atlanta donate shoeboxes filled with toiletries, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, deodorant, lip balm, etc., which are distributed to women and children at homeless shelters throughout the 13-county region United Way serves. The campaign runs March 1 to May 1, 2012, and gifts will be delivered on Mother’s Day.
Last year, 18,000 shoeboxes were collected from a caring community.
Georgia ranks high among our nation’s percentage of homeless children. In metro Atlanta, homeless women and children represent the largest population of homeless residents. Conservative estimates show that this group accounts for nearly one-third of our homeless population.
There are several ways to help: fill a shoebox, top and bottom wrapped separately, with a combination of new, unopened items from the list of needed items posted online at unitedwayatlanta.org/shoeboxproject; add a note of encouragement inside to personalize the shoebox; and host a shoebox party and invite friends, colleagues, or neighbors to decorate and fill shoeboxes together.
After you wrap and fill your shoeboxes, drop them off at your area United Way office. If you have more than 150 shoeboxes, United Way will schedule pickup of the boxes through FedEx as a courtesy. The last day to schedule a pickup is April 20.
For additional information about the United Way Shoebox Project, visit unitedwayatlanta.org/shoeboxproject or email shoeboxproject@unitedwayatlanta.org. You may also call 404-614-2911.
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