Poznań, Bydgoszcz, Katowice. The collection of cosmetics as part of the “Project Shoebox” campaign is underway. Help for women in need

“Project Shoebox” is a pro -contour initiative that was born in 2017 in Poznań thanks to Magdalena Owsiana, Alicja Marcinek and Agata Frydrychowicz. Poznanians registered the Social Committee, which every year in February runs a collection of cosmetics and care products for women. Women in the crisis of homelessness, pupils of the single mother's homes, crisis intervention centers and women who care for women. They also work with organizations offering support for families and people with disabilities.

– We offer women not only practical help, but also a symbolic gesture of support and solidarity. We want each box not only material support, but also an expression of empathy and care. We want to give women in need the feeling that they are not alone and that someone thinks about them, especially on Women's Day – says Agata Frydrychowicz, a member of the committee.

Until March 4, 2025, collections of new, unused cosmetics are underway in Poznań, Bydgoszcz and Katowice. As the organizers indicate, first of all, you need first necessity articles, such as: menstrual hygiene articles, soaps, shower gels, shampoos, deodorants, pastes and toothbrushes. But creams, balms, conditioners, colorful cosmetics, combs, perfumes and small jewelry are also welcome.

Collected cosmetics volunteers pack in boxes. There are 8 to 12 products in each such package. Thanks to cooperation with partner organizations, parcels go to the recipients around March 8, as a gift on the occasion of International Women's Day. Contrary to appearances, the addressees of these packages receive not only material support. Each such box is also a symbolic gesture of support.

– Women we help are faced with a lack of sense of security and greater access to places where you can take care of each other hygienically and which are dedicated only to them – said Wioletta Bogusz, who has been running the Poznań Association of the Soup on the Główny for years, whose pupils take part in the project.

The importance of such support is also emphasized by Jakub Marchlewski, president of the Jacek Foundation from the wardrobe in Przeźmierów, who has been running a help point for three years. Every day they spend those in need, among others Food, cleaning products and clothing. – This is great gratitude, because we have primarily food and cosmetics are less often available. Each product of this type is a huge emotion, thanks. Cosmetics are products that do not appear often and therefore it is very appreciated – said Marchlewski.

The first collection of “Project Shoebox” was organized in their workplace. At that time, 170 cartons were collected on shoes filled with, among others soaps, brushes, creams. Four years later, there were over 750 boxes, and large and small companies from almost all over Poland joined the campaign. Until now, thanks to the initiative of Poznanians, help reached up to 7,000 women.

– We are glad that our action meets so much response. This year, over 60 companies, organization and even schools that organize internal collections are already supporting us. This shows how important the idea of ​​helping and how much we can do together – said Magdalena Kornaś -Owsiana, a representative of the Social Committee Shoebox.

This year, support boxes are to reach 2,000 women from all over Poland. You can get involved in the action by bringing specific products to the indicated place, but not only. An online fundraising is also carried out. In this way, the collected funds will be allocated to the purchase of missing cosmetics and completing boxes.

– Shoebox is a nice gift for our pupils, arousing memories of the house. They get something of their own, exclusive and other than other ladies. This causes gratitude that someone still remembers about them and a sense of uniqueness – added Wioletta Bogusz from the soup on the main.