Santa Shoebox time is here again

It may only be June, but it is never too soon to start planning to bring joy to a needy child this Christmas.

The Santa Shoebox Project has been running since 2006 and about 858 673 boxes of joy have been collected and distributed for underprivileged children throughout South Africa and Namibia, quite literally in shoeboxes which are beautifully decorated. Pledging to get involved is open from 1 September, and members of the public are invited to commit to participating for the good of others.

The Santa Shoebox Project’s regional manager for Gauteng Margie Kostelac explained, “Each year we invite organisations which deal with or care for underprivileged children – orphanages, schools, children’s homes, etc. – to apply to be beneficiaries of the project.

“We received 2 430 applications this year, [and this year’s theme] is ‘Let’s Make Magic’, which I love because this project really is magical. It is such a privilege to see the look on these children’s faces when they open their Santa Shoebox.”

Supporters can go to the Santa Shoebox website and select the recipient of their shoebox by name, age and gender. You can select as many recipients as you like. Items that must be included in the box are toothpaste, a toothbrush, a bar of soap, a washcloth, an outfit of clothing, educational supplies, sweets and an age-appropriate toy. All items must be new.

“Of course, we recommend a special toy or gift in the box too, but this is an added bonus for the children, as the aim is to give them items they really need.”

How to participate:

• Visit santashoebox.org.za
• Register as a supporter
• Pick a convenient drop-off point which you can reach on the specified date
• From September 1, when pledging opens, pledge a shoebox by selecting one or more recipients by name, age and gender
• Print your QR-coded shoebox labels
• Decorate or fill your shoebox according to the guidelines found on the website or Facebook page
• Drop your shoebox off at your selected drop-off point on the designated date.

Those who live outside South Africa, do not live close enough to a drop-off point or simply do not have the time to make up a shoebox themselves are also able to participate in the drive through the Virtual Santa Shoebox option, which costs R450.

For more information about the Santa Shoebox Project, contact Margie Kostelac on margie@santashoebox.org.za

Related articles:

https://staging.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/186310/shoebox-of-surprises/

https://staging.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/169464/another-santa-shoebox-success/