Muskoka Shoebox Project delivering 653 (and counting) gifts to women in need

“We are so proud of our Muskoka,” said the organizers of the second annual Muskoka Shoebox Project, Barb Baldwin, Joanne Buie, and Penny Burns.

Throughout November and early December, local organizations and individuals stuffed shoeboxes with both necessities like warm mitts and toiletries, and small luxuries like chocolates or costume jewelry. The shoeboxes are distributed to local agencies to be delivered to women in need before Christmas.

Many truck-fulls of shoeboxes were collected this year.

Organizers called the project a success with “653 (and counting) delightful shoeboxes being delivered this Christmas Season” and thanked:

• the small and large business owners who promoted and supported us
• the businesses who saved boxes, acted as drop off locations and inventoried for us
• the printers who donated posters and flyers
• the media who helped spread the word
• the community groups who saw merit in this initiative and contributed financially
• the author who is supporting us with a portion of his proceeds
• the 3rd Bracebridge Sparks who shopped, filled and wrapped shoeboxes
• the groups of friends, employees and family members who hosted shoebox parties as their holiday cause
• the countless many who individually shopped, filled and wrapped their shoeboxes with such care
• the volunteers who helped pick up finished boxes
• the troupe of dedicated and never tiring “elves” who inspected, sorted and wrapped the shoeboxes
• the enthusiastic efforts in Gravenhurst and Huntsville by Louise Asselberg, Kelly Fallis, Kelly Hammond, Pam McDivitt, Nicole McGrath.

We continue to be proud of the agencies who receive these shoeboxes, who throughout the year provide hope, support and assistance to women in transition and need in our community. But mostly we are proud of the 653 women receiving these boxes, who each day face challenges and change. Our hope is to make you smile and that with your shoebox you can feel the support and love of your community.
Muskoka Shoebox Project organizers

To those who participated in Huntsville, coordinator Kelly Hammond added, “What a successful few months this has been in bringing awareness, love and a bit of sparkle to the homeless and hurting right here in Huntsville. As always, I thank you for supporting me … and the Shoebox Project thanks you for including them in your holiday giving. All the best for the holiday season and we look forward to your support again next year to make it an even brighter holiday for the whole community.”