A virtual box of essentials could easily be translated as a virtual hug to a child.
The launch of the Virtual Santa Shoebox offers a meaningful way to contribute on July 18 despite the global disruption caused by Covid-19.
Public Relations (PR) Administrator Zahra Fridie from Positive Dialogue said for the past 14 years, the Santa Shoebox Project has collected and distributed personalised gifts of essential items and treats for underprivileged children throughout the country.
“This initiative has touched the lives of of 957 297 underprivileged children, echoing the words of Nelson Mandela when he said, ‘what counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead’.”
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Since large public gatherings won’t be taking place in July, the Santa Shoebox Project is still able to offer a rewarding and meaningful way to contribute on Mandela Day this year.
For the first time, personalised Virtual Santa Shoeboxes will be trackable, along with traditional Santa Shoeboxes, via the Santa Shoebox App which is available from Google Play and the App Store.
Supporters can follow the prompts on the Santa Shoebox website from July 18.
Zahra said donors will be able to choose their Virtual Santa Shoebox beneficiary child or children.
“They will choose a child by name, age and gender, then select the items to be included in the shoebox, write the child a note and let us do the rest.
“The Virtual Santa Shoeboxes will be made by teams of volunteers and allocated to children living in remote areas of South Africa.
“Due to the lack of donors in rural areas, these children could probably not receive a Santa Shoebox, and quite possibly no end-of-year gift at all according,” said Zahra.
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“In 2020, with the massive economic impact of Covid-19, the value of a Santa Shoebox to an underprivileged child is unquestionable.”
Every Virtual Santa Shoebox contains eight required items:
- Toothpaste and a toothbrush.
- Soap and facecloth.
- Sweets.
- A toy.
- School supplies.
- An outfit of clothing.
Additional sponsored items are added as available and age-appropriate.
“In the past, these have included books, lunch boxes and drinking bottles, teen hygiene products, magazines, and fluffy toys,” said Zahra.
For more information go to santashoebox.org.za
