The season of giving is upon us, and we at Heaps Estrin are thrilled to continue our tradition of community support. This year, we are proud to collaborate again with Joy in a Box and The Shoebox Project, two remarkable organizations dedicated to supporting those affected by homelessness across Canada.
Our Charitable Partners:
- Joy in a Box: Focused on children, this initiative fosters empathy and kindness in young hearts by helping them support their peers in need. Click here to learn more.
- The Shoebox Project: Aims to spread compassion and support to local women affected by homelessness through gift-filled shoeboxes and messages of encouragement. Click here to learn more.
How You Can Participate:
- Choose Your Initiative: Decide whether you want to support children or women, and select the appropriate age group:
- Preschool (3-5 years)
- School-age (6-13 years)
- Teens (14-18 years)
- Women of all ages
- Find a Box: Use an old shoebox or buy a new one for your gifts.
- Fill It Up Thoughtfully: Keep longevity and sustainability in mind when selecting items for your box.
- Drop-Off Points: Bring your unwrapped box to our brokerage at 1391 Bayview Avenue or The Lobby at 1120 Yonge Street.
Collection Deadline: All donations will be collected by December 12th. We’ll organize and label the boxes by age and gender to ensure they reach the right recipients.
Where Your Shoebox Will Go:
- Joy in a Box Deliveries: Nellie’s Shelter, Reddoor Family Shelter, Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter, Interval House, and My Friend’s House.
- The Shoebox Project Deliveries: Various services for women in need, including emergency and abuse shelters, transitional housing, and community support services.
Gift Ideas by Age Group:
- Preschool (3-5 years): Small toys, puzzles, books, stickers.
- School Age (6-13 years): Journals, crafts, books, games, gift cards.
- Teens (14-18 years): Gift cards, note pads, personal care items.
- Women: Gift cards, toiletries, journals, hand sanitizer, baby essentials.
- General: Socks, mittens, gloves, scarves, personal care items, and non-perishable snacks.
Items to Avoid:
Please refrain from including used goods, unpackaged items, hotel/free samples, sized clothing, alcohol-containing products, candles, skin-tone specific products, sanitary products, sharp objects, jumbo-sized containers, and heavily fragranced items.
Important Notes:
Donations will be accepted at 1391 Bayview Avenue. Please do not seal your box, as it will need to be inspected before delivery.
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to visit us at either location, and our team will be delighted to help.
Let’s spread joy and warmth this holiday season by giving back to those in need. Your contributions make a world of difference!
Warm regards,
The Heaps Estrin Team