Shoeboxes aren't just for shoes anymore.
I'm the Director of Programming for the Douglas County Connection. It's a satellite group of the Cultural Arts Council of Douglas County, GA. Our primary goal is to bring the arts to the African American community in our area. But we do search outside the box for charity projects we can do that will provide a benefit outside our defined goals. Recently, one of the lovely ladies in our group suggested we become involved in the Shoebox Project that the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta does annually.
The United Way describes this project as:
"Each year, individuals and companies throughout the metro area donate shoeboxes filled with toiletries to be given to homeless women and children. Last year, more than 12,500 shoeboxes that were distributed to more than 80 homeless shelters across our 13-county area."
To be able to reach beyond to those in need, even in a small way, is a start. This project humbled me so much I must tell you. I give at my job to our annual United Way drive, but to do a hands on project, and see the physical end result just gave me so much joy.
Which made me realize that the act of giving back is two-fold. If we're able, we should all be willing to give from our pockets to a worthy cause. That's the icing on the cake. But a physical manifestation of that giving is the actual cake in my opinion. Digging in. Getting your hands dirty. Whether it's volunteering at a soup kitchen or filling decorated shoe boxes for a homeless woman in need. The act of physically doing something is what it's really about now for me.
I plan on doing this project every year now. I'm sure it will become one of the annual projects our group participates in. Next year, I'm going to be really prepared. I plan on picking up a few travel sized toiletries every time I go to the grocery store. By this time next year I'll have a stockpile of goods I'm sure. My personal goal for next year is 20 boxes. Uh oh, I've put it in writing. I've got to do it now!
If you live in the greater Atlanta area, I encourage you to fill some shoeboxes and bring them to your local United Way office. This project ends on May 21, 2010.
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