Host Your Own Shoebox Party

1. Location, location, location! We encourage volunteers to conduct their own Shoebox Parties to contribute to our collection efforts. Whether you are conducting your party at the office, in a school, or in your living room, make sure your participants have adequate space to be comfortable and creative as possible. Encourage your participants to bring refreshments, and music is always a great help to keep people engaged!
2. People! Propose some quality time with your family, take advantage of a fun opportunity for your kids to get some volunteer hours in, drive team building for your office family, or make it a party of one with you filling tons of boxes! All donations of hygiene essentials will benefit Greater Atlanta’s homeless men, women and children in need. During your time together feel free to play trivia games, listen to music or lead icebreakers that will help your group get to know one another better. You can use our editable flyer to add a description of your event and help with recruitment!
3. Shoeboxes! You can’t have a shoebox party without shoeboxes, so scour your closet and storage for some (be sure to take your shoes out!) and encourage those helping to do the same. Tote bags and reusable drawstring bags are accepted but may eliminate the fun of decorating! *Considering reaching out to local shoe stores to locate empty boxes.
4. Donations! Once you’ve secured the boxes, be sure to collect the actual items to go inside. At a minimum, every box should include body wash/soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant. These are items that we consider essential, but often take for granted in our everyday lives.

   Other items needed: Shampoo, lotion, hair comb/brush, sunscreen, lip balm, adhesive bandages, hand towels, antibiotic ointment, socks, tampons, panty liners, water bottles, rain ponchos, zipper storage bags, prepaid phone cards. We cannot accept food, medicine, sewing kits, or used/opened items. 

   Also, feel free to add an inspirational note of encouragement.

5. Decorations! It’s important to maximize people’s creativity with a variety of decorating options. Items like wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, stickers, tissue paper, and markers help transform boxes into beautiful gifts. You may never see the recipient’s face, but people light up when they receive boxes – especially when it’s apparent that a lot of love and care went into the creation of them. Whether you make them fun or pretty, just be sure to make them special.

*** Please don’t wrap boxes shut as we’ll need to open them for quality control ***