There’s a message Annabelle Rayson says she received her first year organizing Sarnia’s chapter of the Shoebox Project that helps keep her motivated.
The Sarnia teen has been delivering Christmas-gift-stocked packages to women in need through various community organizations since she was an eight-grader and a legislative page at Queen’s Park, inspired by Shoebox Project co-founder Caroline Mulroney to bring the dignity-providing enterprise in Sarnia.
Some of the recipients that first year, through one of the organizations, surprised her with a card with messages of thanks, said the now-17-year-old, Grade 12 student at St. Pat’s.
“And one of the comments said, ‘thank you for giving me the things that I needed,’” said Rayson, who relies on community donations to stock boxes with things like scarves, gloves, hats, candies and cosmetics to help some 300 women per year in need feel they’re valued and appreciated, and who might not otherwise get recognized with gifts at Christmas.
“That message has stuck with me throughout my five years and keeps me going every time,” Rayson said.
She’s preparing for another drive, and is spreading the word she’ll be looking for shoebox donations, as well as financial and gift donations to put together the $50-value boxes again this year.
Organizations like the Women’s Interval Home of Sarnia-Lambton, Sexual Assault Survivors’ Centre, Inn of the Good Shepherd, Sarnia Brain Injury Association and others have accepted boxes throughout the years for distribution to their clients at Christmas, she said.
Rayson hasn’t missed a year, even in 2020 when there were no physical donations and she and her mom shopped for all the gifts.
Organizations like Shell and Dow have gotten on board to help wrap, and other companies have provided donations like body lotions and soaps, she said.
Her friends also help with wrapping, and handwritten motivational cards are attached with every package, Rayson said.
“It’s little cherry on top that reminds the women of their dignity, and that everything is going to be OK and to help bring them hope,” she said.
Drop-off locations for this year’s are expected to start accepting items in mid-November, until Dec. 9, she said.
Shoeboxes for packaging are also needed, while gift cards, bath salts, candles and things like hand sanitizers and mouthwash aren’t accepted, she said.
Drop-off locations include the Sarnia Golf and Curling Club, Allstate Insurance office, MPP Bob Bailey’s office, Fuzion Hair Concepts and Norton Hair Styling, she said.
Financial donations can be made at shoeboxproject.ca/chapters/sarniawhere more information about the project is also available.
“I love the holidays and I love being able to give back to create a little bit of holiday magic,” said Rayson.
“Of course, helping people and social justice is also very, very important to me, and I truly feel blessed to be able to have this position, to help support these women.”