Shoeboxes for the Homeless is an organization created by high school senior, Emily DeHart. She started this project six years ago, back when she was only 12 years old. The idea of giving to people in our own community that need help really spoke to her, and compelled her to do something about it. Once a year, around the holiday season, she collects items from friends, family, and neighbors to give to the New Visions Homeless Day Shelter in Camden, New Jersey. Items for donation included toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, and hair brushes), clothing (coats, gloves, socks, and hats), and non-perishable food (pretzels, crackers, and trail mix).
I was recruited this year to help collect items by Emily herself. Each person that helped out got letters to pass around houses in their respective neighborhoods, explaining the project and what kind of donation items we were looking for. Our goals individually were to hand out 100 letters and possibly speak with a business or two about donating items or money. I went around to half of my neighborhood handing out letters, and later collecting back bags of items. My return rate was surprising- I was thrilled to see just how many people felt compassionate enough to leave donations on their front porch step early Friday morning!
