Christmas Shoeboxes

Thank you for your interest in helping Norte Vista AVID with our Christmas Shoebox project that will have these boxes donated to the foster students in the Alvord Unified School District. This page is meant as an informational page for this project.  

Deadline for donations will be December 6, 2023. Ordering anytime the week of November 27 will allow us enough time to receive your donation. 

**Some pictures of this year's deliveries are below**

A list of those who have supported us in our quest this year as well as pics that we take as we are completing the project are available here

The History:

During the stay at home order (2020), one of our AVID Tutors had the suggestion to create Christmas shoeboxes and donate them to the Ronald McDonald House in Loma Linda. At the height of COVID, with the help of our other AVID tutors and site team, we were able to create and provide over 30 shoeboxes.  The next year we decided to continue the project and get our AVID students involved in wrapping and packing the boxes. They, along with the help of our community, Norte Vista alumni, and teachers across the district were able to help our program reach the goal of gifting every foster student in the district a box (over 100). We have continued this for the last three years and involve even more students to make this a sustainable project in the years to come.  

Objective:

This year for the holidays we are looking to provide foster students in our district with gift boxes. 

To make this possible we are asking for your help with donations such as shoe boxes, wrapping paper, and/or items from our Amazon wish list. 

Our Amazon wish list has items specifically picked out for the different age groups represented in our district to receive as a Christmas gift. To purchase off of our Amazon wish list you can use the link below or scan the QR code. You simply purchase the item and it will be delivered to Norte Vista AVID. 

The wish list can be found here or by scanning the following QR code. The flyer for the project can be accessed here. 

Other items needed:

Here are some pictures from this year's (2023) delivery

Here is a video sent to me that shows exactly why we do this project. 

**No identifying information about the student is provided to protect privacy**

This year's NVTV feature. Our interview starts at about 2:57 mark

Here are some pics from the past years

The following video was shown on our own NVTV two years ago to showcase our project. 

avid-shoeboxes.mp4

What is a Christmas shoebox?

A Christmas shoebox is a shoebox wrapped like a Christmas present, but with a lid that opens. Inside it contains stocking stuffer type gifts that can be transported easily. Completed shoeboxes will be delivered to the school sites in the district before mid December and left as a pickup for the students. 

The type of items that are included in the box and are on the wish list include, but are not limited to

Below are samples of some of the Christmas shoeboxes that we put together that were donated to the Ronald McDonald House in Loma Linda. Boxes every year look very similar with different items appropriate for grade level. 

Questions? Email daniel.reyes@alvordschools.org (Norte Vista AVID Coordinator)