A little box filled with thoughtful gifts can make a big difference, particularly for someone going through a difficult time.
That's the message behind the Shoebox Project for Women, which is once again collecting donations across Simcoe County and Grey County to bring some holiday cheer to women and girls experiencing homelessness, domestic violence or other challenging circumstances.
Local founder Shannon Murree says the initiative is about much more than the items inside each box. It's about reminding women and girls that they are valued, cared for and not forgotten.
"It's $50 worth of items, luxury items to help remind a woman, a girl how special, loved, cared for they are," Murree explains.
She describes each donation as a "shoebox of love" for someone who may be facing an especially difficult holiday season.
For women living in shelters or trying to rebuild their lives, Christmas can bring feelings of loneliness and difficult memories. Murree says receiving a gift can offer a welcome moment of connection and kindness.
Listen below to our interview with Shannon
What goes into a Shoebox Project gift?
The idea is to create something that feels like a thoughtful Christmas present, rather than a package of everyday necessities.
Murree says donors should think about the kind of gift they might give to an acquaintance or someone they don't know particularly well.
Items could include hot chocolate, chocolate, a mug, a soft knitted scarf, a hat, gloves or other small luxuries that offer warmth and comfort.
A personalized handwritten note is also an important part of every box.
"Most particularly what makes our shoebox gifts different is the personalized note," says Murree.
Donors are encouraged to include an uplifting message or words of encouragement. There's no need to sign their name.
While toiletries and other hygiene products are certainly appreciated, Murree says those items should be donated separately rather than included in the shoeboxes. The focus of the project is on gifts that make recipients feel special.
Thousands of shoeboxes have made a local impact
Murree first brought the initiative to Simcoe County and Grey County 13 years ago.
Since then, the project has helped thousands of women and girls in the region, with one year's campaign aiming to collect more than 1,500 shoeboxes.
The initiative is inclusive and supports women and girls from all backgrounds, including gender-diverse individuals.
Murree emphasizes that the project is entirely local, with donations staying in the communities where they are collected.
"Everything that is done here is local. That's the most important that I want everyone to know," she says.
How to get involved
There are several ways to contribute, and Murree says people don't have to fill an entire box on their own to make a difference.
Individuals can put together a shoebox valued at approximately $50, or families, schools, sports teams and businesses can work together, with each person contributing an item.
"Even if you just want to make one difference somehow, bring in one new item and fill one shoebox," says Murree. "That's all it takes."
Financial donations are also welcome. The Shoebox Project is 100 per cent volunteer-run, meaning there are no paid employees.
The campaign is collecting donations until December 13, with various authorized drop-off locations throughout Simcoe County and Grey.
Existing shoeboxes with lids can be reused, or donors can purchase plastic or decorative cardboard boxes. Murree asks that boxes not be sealed, as volunteers need to sort and prepare them for distribution.
Volunteers will also be needed to help sort the donations and deliver the completed boxes to local shelters and organizations. A local HVAC company has been among the regular volunteers, helping deliver the gifts while sporting Santa hats.
Information about drop-off locations, financial donations and volunteer opportunities is available at shoeboxproject.ca/simcoe.
The campaign covers communities throughout the region, including Barrie, Orillia, Innisfil and Collingwood.
Murree says the project wouldn't be possible without the generosity of local residents, businesses and organizations who return year after year to help make the holidays a little brighter for women in need.
