WHO WE ARE
Our goal is to be able to provide a “Shoebox of Joy” to the low income elderly and/or disabled, who may not have family or friends close by. This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to work together and provide a gift to those in need.
“Sometimes it's not what's in the box that matters, what matters is that somebody came to their door and knocked, and wished them Merry Christmas, and remembered they were out there,” said DeAnn Kettwig, founder of Shoeboxes of Joy. “Elderly and disabled shut-ins, they don't see anybody, they don't get visitors they don't get gifts, they don't have family near. When we provide their shampoo, their soap, their toothbrush, it seems like a small amount, but it might keep their power on, it might make it so they can buy groceries this month."
We begin our holiday season the day after Thanksgiving at the Long Beach Depot in Pacific County, Washington and in our second location, run independently, in Wahkiakum County, Washington (2022 location TBD) until Christmas Eve.
"WE REMEMBER THE FORGOTTEN!"
~DeAnn Kettwig Shoeboxes of Joy Founder
Our Founder
DeAnn Kettwig was the Executive Director of a non-profit agency for aging adults and felt the elderly and disabled here, on the Peninsula, needed a helping hand. Thus, with community support, Shoeboxes of Joy began in 2008, in the garage of her father, Jerry Kettwig. Her observation has served upwards of 900 recipients in a given year. DeAnn's dedication to community has enabled countless volunteers and recipient's fell the joy of the holidays.