I've been asked to create some cardstock model collection boxes for a habitat for humanity drive. I have created the 3d model shell and have an inner box to collect the donations.

However I had the outer structure just sitting on top of the smaller inner box. I've been asked to add some sort of bottom to it so that if someone were to lift up the cardstock model the box with the money isn't just sitting on the table.

Whatever I do most be able to be opened on a regular basis so that the money can be transfered to a more secure place. This also doesn't need to be able to lock, just fasten.

Heres what I've got so far.


The white walls are the exterior of the model. The red piece is a hinged piece of foam core, it comes most of the way across the bottom but not entirely. The green wall is an interior wall and can be pierced or cut as needed. It probably the best place to attach the latch. The collection box is simply a smaller box the will sit ontop of the moving piece of foamcore, its not shown.

So far my best idea has been to take a wide piece of sticky velcro and put 1 side on the bottom and the other on the green wall. Perhaps putting a small bolt with washers through the velcro and foamcore to keep them from seperating.

Anyone have any other ideas?

Open the model from the top.

Also, make sure the bottom and sides are solid enough to cope with being handled with a weight of coins inside.

Every piece of the build is lined with foamcore. and so it should be fairly sturdy. Also the box will be emptied on a frequent basis to prevent theft, so it doesn't have to hold tons of weight.

I have already delivered the 3 they wanted now. But they believe that they may need additional ones if they can find other collection locations.

I did use 2" wide selfstick velcro as a fastener. I also reinforced the velcro glue with bolted 1 1/2" diameter washers. I tested it with a couple dollars worth of change(all the change I happened to have or would have used more) and it holds up fine.

I was also concerned about the textures smudging because my printer doesn't use color fast ink. So I applied Krylon UV resistant clear acrylic coating. I applied 2 coats and it seems to help alot, although I didn't test to see how wet I could get it before destroying it I'm not worried about smears from people just handling the boxes.

I'm considering using the spray for other builds. Its easy to apply, and I had no problem with drops or smearing textures. The one I got says gloss finish but it doesn't seem at all shiny. After it dried it had a slightly ruff texture. But really the only draw back is that it has a spray paint smell. Although I hope that fades with time.