People in Glasgow are being asked to donate a shoebox full of gifts this Christmas.
The call has been made by The Shoebox Project which is launching its first winter holiday drive in the city.
Co-ordinator Amy Callaghan said the aim was to provide 250 shoeboxes by December 18 at four shelters.
The gifts will be given to women who have been impacted by homelessness.
According to The Shoebox Project, giving enhances community-wide solidarity by inviting people “to be part of a chain reaction of empathy and compassion”.
'Culture of care'
December 1 is the official launch date and the charity is encouraging people to "Cultivate a Culture of Care" by creating and donating a gift to a local woman impacted by homelessness.
The project says more and more people have turned to the nonprofit sector for support this year, and the number of women and gender-diverse people affected by homelessness is on the rise.
It says requests for shoebox gifts are at an all-time high in the UK.
The four shelters that will receive the boxes are: SAY Women, The Simon Community, Ubuntu Women's Shelter, and Turning Point: 218.
Full instructions on how to make and stock the shoebox gift are online. https://www.shoeboxproject.org.uk/ways-to-give/make-a-shoebox
Must-have items to include and points to bear in mind are:
- Each Shoebox must be valued at £40
- Gift Card (grocery or pharmacy store)
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Body Wash
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Socks
- Chocolate/sweets
- Cosmetics (lipstick, eyeliner, mascara, nail polish, etc)
- A cozy accessory (hand warmers, hat, mitts, scarf)
- Skincare (sunscreen, face cream, body/hand lotion, cleanser)
- Self-care (journal, facial mask, eye mask, lip balm)
Amy said: “We are encouraging people in Glasgow to create a shoebox gift containing some essentials and ‘little luxury’ items that can be gifted to a woman in the city impacted by homelessness.
“As it's our first time running a shoebox drive in Glasgow, we really hope as many people as possible can get involved and give their support.
“Glasgow rightly has an incredible reputation for being a friendly and community-driven city, and we hope to support as many women affected by homelessness as possible across the city this holiday season.
“The boxes can be gift wrapped and left at one of three drop-off points in the city between December 1 and 17th. Thank you to everyone who offers their support.”
We are encouraging people in Glasgow to create a shoebox gift containing some essentials and ‘little luxury’ items that can be gifted to a woman in the city impacted by homelessness.
Amy Callaghan
People are asked to check the drop-off times at the three centres:
- Castle Fine Art 96 Queen Street, G1 3DN
- Woodlands Community Garden 101 West Princes Street G4 9BY
- Glasgow Women’s Library 23 Landressy Street, G40 1BP
Boxes can be left between December 1 and 17.
Amy can be contacted via email glasgow@shoeboxproject.com.
- For more information see, https://www.shoeboxproject.org.uk/chapters/glasgow
