S.O.M.E. Shoebox Holiday Gifts: Sophomore Class Service Project

As the holidays draw near, this year's sophomore class has taken on a well-loved project that makes a small difference in a unique way. The whole SSFS community is encouraged to join the 10th grade in preparing gift boxes filled with various daily items for those in our community who are without them. This work is being done under the guidance of So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.).

S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat)

S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat) is an interfaith organization based in D.C. that provides meals, clothing, shelter, rehabilitation, counseling, and so much more to those in need. To learn more, click here.

Shoebox Holiday Gifts

A shoebox holiday gift is a shoebox filled with new personal items that may be useful to individuals who participate in S.O.M.E. food and housing programs. If you wish to contribute, please bring in one of the following: a shoebox (preferably already wrapped, with the lid and box wrapped separately), a full set of items to place in a shoebox as displayed below, or a filled shoebox already wrapped and containing its items.

Each holiday shoebox contains the following items: 

____ 1 hat
____ 1 scarf
____ 1 pair of gloves
____ 1 pair of underwear 
____ 1 pair of socks
____ 1 stick of deodorant
____ 2 razors
____ 1 bar of soap
____ 1 bottle of shampoo
____ 1 bottle of lotion
____ 1 tube of toothpaste
____ 1 toothbrush

If you choose to create a women's box, please include a small pack of sanitary napkins.

For a children's box, please include a small toy instead of razors and deodorant. 

Please use a large shoebox, not a shirt box, and PLEASE WRAP THE LID AND BOX SEPARATELY. This will help S.O.M.E. staff and volunteers to ensure that the shoebox contents are equitable. If possible, choose wrapping paper that is non-denominational. Also, please place a tag on the outside of each box designating whether it is for a "MAN", "WOMAN", or "CHILD." In the case of a shoebox gift for a child, please also indicate the age range (and gender, if applicable) of the intended recipient. Finally, please consider that S.O.M.E. serves more adults than children. Consequently, S.O.M.E. needs more shoeboxes for adults than for children.

PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE cash, food, candy, or mouthwash. If you have extra items, please donate them separately.

ON PARTICIPATION: 
Community members are not required to donate shoebox gifts, but it is hoped that many will choose to participate in some form to help make this meaningful service project a success. Some may choose to contribute more than one shoebox gift, while others may opt to team up with friends and contribute one shoebox gift together. Others might be able to provide empty shoeboxes and/or wrapping paper to assist with the cause. Still others might be able to contribute their time and effort to wrapping unfinished shoebox gifts and/or loading up the gifts on the day of delivery. In short, no one should feel obligated beyond their means, but all are encouraged to get involved in this grassroots endeavor.

DROP-OFF LOCATIONS:
For convenience, shoebox gifts and/or loose items can be dropped off any time before Thursday, December 11, at the front desk of the Lower School, Middle School, Upper School, or Scott House.

DEADLINE:
Completed shoebox gifts and/or loose items are asked to be dropped off by Thursday, December 11.

FACULTY CONTACT:
Eduardo Polón - eduardo.polon@ssfs.org: As the Faculty Project Point-Person, Eduardo is available to
assist with any individual questions or concerns.