H.E.A.R.T.S. Holiday Gifts Theme

For the theme of Holiday Gifts we are suggesting either contributions to "Shoe Box Santa"
If you prefer to donate children's gifts - or to donate locally, other ideas for this theme
include donating holiday gifts to your local domestic violence shelter or to your local
homeless shelter or to Toys for Tots.

Whichever way you choose to participate, please consider including a note identifying yourself as a
homeschooler and/or a participant in H.E.A.R.T.S. - for example: "Happy Holidays And Best Wishes
For Your Happiest New Year Ever! From a Homeschooling Family with H.E.A.R.T.S.
(Homeschoolers Educating, Assisting, & Reaching-out Through Service)"

Also, all participants are encouraged to submit a press release to their local newspapers to help advance
public awareness, understanding, and acceptance of homeschoolers/homeschooling.
A sample press release is included at the bottom of this page.

Please submit press releases during the first two weeks in October.
Please send your donations the first two weeks in November.
If you miss a submission date - please submit as soon as possible.

Let's join together to make a difference!

Shoebox Santa: Appalachian Outreach, Inc. ~ collecting shoeboxes of needs for adults.
They request that you fill a shoebox with adult needs such as razors, shaving cream,
soap, shampoo, toothbrush/paste, hair brush, comb, deodorant, notebook, stamps,
band-aides, sewing/mending supplies, dominoes and other small games, etc.

Appalachian Outreach, Inc.
PO Box 233
Glen Dale, WV 26038-0233

(NOTE: Please retype - personalize spaces in [italic] - and submit to News Editors at Local Newspapers.)

Press Release

For More Information Contact: _[your name]
Phone/Email: [your phone and/or email]

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Homeschoolers with HEARTS Donate Holiday Gifts to Charities.

[YOUR CITY, STATE] – Homeschoolers routinely get involved in community service as part of their daily learning

experience. This season participants in H.E.A.R.T.S. (Homeschoolers Educating, Assisting, & Reaching-out

Through Service) will be learning about the joy of giving by participating in several community outreach projects.

Some homeschoolers will be donating gifts to their local homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, and

'Toys for Tots' this season. Others will be participating in the Shoebox Santa program through Appalachian Outreach, Inc.

'Shoebox Santa' reaches out to adults in need through the donation of shoeboxes full of toiletries and other necessities,

which are distributed as Christmas gifts. The beneficiaries will vary, but the goal is the same: to make the holiday season

happier for someone in need.

“We hope our efforts will brighten the holiday season for some. It’s a great way for children to learn the joy of giving,”

said [LOCAL SPOKESPERSON NAME], H.E.A.R.T.S.’ coordinator. “We hope others will join in our efforts.

Community participation is always encouraged and very much appreciated. You can learn more by visiting H.E.A.R.

T.S.’ national website at: http://www.h-e-a-r-t-s.org” said [LOCAL SPOKESPERSON].