Middle Schools Spread Kindness Through Shoebox Project

Students at Southgate Middle School and École Phoenix Middle School showed the true spirit of giving this season through the Shoebox Project, an initiative that provides gifts for women in need.

Southgate students led the way with 42 shoeboxes packed with essentials and thoughtful items under this year’s Shoebox theme Helping Her Face Forward with Confidence. Each box included face wash, hand cream, body wash, deodorant, hair care products, body lotion, lip balm, nail polish, mascara, cozy accessories, a sweet treat, a journal with a pen, and a $10 gift card. Students also added handwritten notes of encouragement to make each gift personal and uplifting.

École Phoenix Middle School also created an impressive 35 shoeboxes of their own. While the schools worked independently, their combined contributions will make a big impact for women in the community this holiday season.

At Southgate the project was a school-wide effort. Classes worked together to collect donations, and some went above and beyond—one class contributed 12 full boxes on their own. Southgate leadership students also added a fun incentive: classes that completed a full box earned a hot chocolate party, which will happen soon to celebrate the success of this charitable drive.

The shoeboxes were picked up last week from both schools and are now being delivered to women’s shelters and support organizations. 

“This project is about helping women feel confident and cared for,” said Rylie, a Southgate student leader. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”