SAN ANTONIO – The Big Give SA is just days away and the goal is to raise money for hundreds of nonprofits in one day.
In addition to its normal fundraising, the United Way is launching the Shoebox Project to help more than 40 other agencies.
The program collects donated shoeboxes filled with personal hygiene items like toothbrushes, deodorant and soap.
"These are toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, things that we're all blessed and fortunate enough to get on our own," said Brandyn Moore-Rodriguez, director of volunteer initiatives with the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County. "But for a lot of these agencies, they are needing these items for those clients, whether they are homeless, a veteran or children."
The boxes will eventually be distributed to 41 groups around town that serve children, elderly and other vulnerable populations.
Organizers are hoping to create about 5,000 personal care packages with the decorated shoeboxes.
So far, they have more than 1,000 ready to go thanks to volunteers who have decorated, sorted and packed the boxes.
The United Way will deliver the shoeboxes June 20.
And in order to keep supporting local agencies, they're hoping that they'll get some support during the Big Give SA.
"We support 65 agencies, 133 programs across San Antonio, from children to families. So we're really excited and looking forward to May 5," said Moore-Rodriguez.