United Way Women's Legacy kicks off annual shoebox drive for homeless women
Shoebox Project provides necessities, raises awareness 

ATLANTA (January 5, 2007) – United Way Women's Legacy is launching the From Our Heart to Yours Shoebox Project and is asking the community to gather empty shoeboxes, decorate them and fill them with personal care items for women and children living in homeless shelters. Shoeboxes should be dropped off at your local United Way office no later than February 7 and will be delivered to homeless shelters in metro Atlanta on Valentine's Day. As part of the United Way Women's Legacy Family Shelter Initiative, the goal of the Shoebox Project is to increase awareness of homeless women and children. 

   "Homeless women and children are part of the homeless population that we often don't see," said Cristel Mayo, director of United Way Women's Legacy. "It is amazing how much a simple gift or note of encouragement helps these women—especially on Valentine's Day—by letting them know that they are valued and not forgotten." 

   United Way Women's Legacy encourages individuals to get together and have a "shoebox party" to decorate and fill the boxes and learn more about issues affecting homeless women and children. Last year, United Way Women's Legacy collected 3,372 shoeboxes of personal care items in the first From Our Hearts to Yours Shoebox Project. This year, the goal is to collect 5,000 shoeboxes to distribute to 46 homeless shelters that house women and children. 

How to help 

   Fill a shoebox, either cardboard or plastic, with a combination of personal care items such as toothpaste and deodorant. To view a list of requested items, visit unitedwayatlanta.org/womenslegacy . Drop your shoebox off at your local United Way office by February 7. Volunteer to help sort and pack shoeboxes for distribution to area shelters by calling United Way 211. 

Facts about homeless women and children

   According to estimates, of the 16,000 homeless people in Atlanta, 46 percent are families with children and unaccompanied minors. (Source: 2003 Tri-Jurisdictional Homeless Census and Survey, Pathways) Families with children are among the fastest-growing segments of the homeless population. (Source: National Coalition for the Homeless, 2001) Two-thirds of the calls to United Way 211 for emergency shelters are from callers located outside the city of Atlanta. 

   To learn more about United Way Women's Legacy, visit unitedwayatlanta.org/womenslegacy . For more information on participating in this year's Shoebox Project or becoming a member of United Way Women's Legacy, contact Cristel Mayo at 404.527.3539.