There are two different styles of shoeboxes collected- one for adults and one for children.
Adult shoebox items include a comb or brush, shampoo, hand lotion, deodorant, a toothbrush, toothpaste, ChapStick, a full-size bar of soap, a washcloth, disposable razors, shaving cream, nail care supplies, socks, a pair of work gloves or mittens, and a winter hat or scarf.
Items needed for children’s shoeboxes include two or three small toys, two or three items needed for school, a comb or brush, shampoo, hand lotion, a child’s toothbrush and toothpaste, ChapStick, a bar of soap, a washcloth, a small flashlight, socks, a pair of mittens, and a winter hat.
Christian bookmarks, wristbands, and other spiritual items are also appreciated.
The Red Bird Mission likes items put in clear plastic shoebox-sized storage containers with locking lids. If you are unable to purchase plastic boxes, the same-size cardboard boxes will work. Please do not wrap the shoeboxes or cardboard boxes. Also, it is helpful to the Mission if you clearly label each shoebox, so they know who the intended recipient is for the items. Label each box with the intended recipient (man, woman, boy, or girl). Click here to print labels.
The Mission also needs new pillows, new sheet sets, and new blankets for full and twin-size beds, as well as new bath towels. Used sheets, blankets, and towels cannot be sent.
Books, school supplies, new backpacks and cleaning supplies are needed, as well.
Donations of money can be made payable to the Endwell United Methodist Church to help cover the cost of the truck rental, fuel, lodging, and meals for the volunteers who will be delivering the shoeboxes and other donations to the Red Bird Mission. All funds will be deposited into a dedicated account for this mission. A suggested donation is $1.50 per shoebox. Please do not put money inside the shoeboxes. Place the money in an envelope and attach it to the outside of the shoebox.
