Shoebox Project

Help create personal care packages by donating a decorated shoebox filled with personal care and basic-need items between September 7 – October 30.

The shoeboxes will be redistributed to children, veterans, elderly, homeless and vulnerable population’s homeless in San Antonio and Bexar County.

It’s easy to get started! Just follow the four simple steps outlined below.

Step 1: Decorate your Shoebox.
Step 2: Fill your Shoebox with the requested Personal Care and Basic Need Items
Step 3: Post your pictures of your shoeboxes to Social Media #ShoeboxUWSA
Step 4: Drop –off your Shoebox at one of these locations or have scheduled for Pick Up

Want to do more? Volunteer your time to help us organize and build shoeboxes, help spread the word, host a collect drive, or purchase a prefilled shoebox for only $20.

Whether you decide to create your own personal shoebox or purchase a prefilled shoebox, you’ll be making a simple and meaningful donation that will make a real life difference to our community.

Step 1: Fill Your Shoebox with the Requested Personal Care & Basic Need Items

Grab an empty shoebox from your closet (or email us: shoeboxproject@unitedwaysatx.org to request shoeboxes. Thanks to San Antonio Shoes for donating 6000 shoeboxes for this project!) and fill it with the requested items listed below:

• Hair comb/brush
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Hand sanitizer
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Baby wipes
• Deodorant
• Band Aids
• Soap/body wash
• Lotion

We cannot accept: medicine, food, sewing kits, razors, hotel toiletries or used or opened items.

Step 2: Decorate Your Shoebox

Have fun, be creative and decorate your shoebox with stickers, wrapping paper, greeting cards, fabric, ribbon or other items. Those who receive your shoebox will feel like they are receiving a special gift.

Interested in hosting a shoebox decorating party? It’s easy to do and fun! Just follow these steps:

1. Set a date and ask attendees to bring empty shoeboxes and needed items to the party.
2. Start a donation drive with friends, family, or coworkers. Set up bins at certain locations for participants to collect items.
3. Gather decorations, snacks and music to enjoy the party.
4. Have fun decorating and filling your shoeboxes together.

Make sure to wrap the lid and box separately so they can be opened for safety inspections.

Would you like a United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County representative, member nonprofit or beneficiary to speak at your event? Send an email to: shoeboxproject@unitedwaysatx.org

Step 3.  Share pictures of your shoeboxes on Social Media

1. “Like” us on Facebook and share your photos
2. “Tweet” us your photo to @unitedwaysa using the hashtag #ShoeboxUWSA

Step 4.  Drop-off Your Shoebox or Have Them Picked Up

After you have decorated and filled your shoeboxes, drop them off at one of our participating drop-off locations.

If you collect more than 100 filled shoeboxes, we will come pick them up! Just fill out the form to schedule a pickup from your location. The last day to request pick up is Friday, October 23.

Please allow at least 72 hours to confirm your pickup date.

Please submit decorated shoeboxes filled with toiletries by Friday, October 30^th. You can also provide the requested items to us and we’ll decorate and fill the box. Please make sure the box can be opened for safety inspections.

United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County

700 S. Alamo, 78205

Monday – Friday: 8:15 am – 4:30 pm

Please call 210-352-7000 if you have questions about drop off.

San Antonio Food Bank

5200 Old Highway 90 West, 78227

Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Please drop off at the Donation Drop Off location behind the main gate of the Food Bank  (where the Food Bank trucks are located).

Please call 210-352-7077 if you have any questions about drop off.