Shoeboxes for the Homeless
Mel Trotter Ministry
Random Acts of Kindness Challenge Mel Trotter Ministries 
This Random Acts of Kindness challenge gives back to one of the most important organizations in our community,
Mel Trotter Ministries. Mel Trotter Ministries helps the homeless people who are in need. In the United States of
America there are roughly 552,830 homeless people. As of January 2019, Michigan had an estimated 8,575 experiencing homelessness on any given day, as reported by Continuums of Care to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD).
One small way you can help is to create shoeboxes. Let’s work together to fill 50 shoeboxes for Mel Trotter’s
Homeless Shelter.
You may create your own shoeboxes at home with your family. Or you may work with a small group
of students. If you work with a small group, divide and conquer. Each pick items from the list to
bring to the group. We will also work on Monday, November 21 from 7:00 am - 7:45 am to make
shoeboxes. Items can be dropped off this week to Mrs. Vogel's room. Be sure to wrap and decorate
the shoebox.
Suggested Items:
Small toiletries: shampoo, deodorant, lotion, soap, toothpaste (note - travel sizes from hotels are perfect)
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Chapstick
Wet Wipes
Washcloth
Small disposable razors
Small combs
Refillable/collapsible water bottles
Small emergency/first aid kits (Band-Aids, Individual doses of Bactine, Neosporin, etc)
Small sewing kids
Small blankets
Socks
Hats
Gloves
Hand warmer packets (for winter months)
Gift cards for fast food
Non-perishable food in individual servings such as: • peanut butter • crackers, • nuts • cheese and
cracker packages • cookies • dried fruit • tuna • power/breakfast bars Small wrapped hard candies,
gum, cough drop Reusable grocery bags that fold up.
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