School adds weight to Santa’s sleigh
A total of 180 boxes were pledged by three families.
A bounty of boxes filled the entrance of St Dunstan’s College on October 19 as learners excitedly handed in their contributions to this year’s Santa Shoebox Project
A total of 372 boxes, dedicated to children of various ages, flooded through the gates as the organisation’s Margie Kostelac of Farrarmere watched in awe as the learners diligently stacked their gifts.
Kostelac is the national sponsorship and regional manager of Santa Shoebox Project for Gauteng, Free State, North West, Gqeberha.
“I have been part of this initiative for 17 years and every year I am moved to tears as I watch pledgers hand in their contributions,” said Kostelac.
“I have the privilege to not only meet with some the pledgers and learn about their reasons for supporting the project, but once distribution kicks off I get to experience the joy when the kiddies receive a gift with their name on it.”
Currently in its 18th year, the team of elves have set a target of collecting 80 000 boxes this year, which will be distributed locally, throughout all nine provinces as well as in Namibia.
To date the NPO has has distributed 1 152 587 personalised boxes.
According to Sarah Bouch, head of service at the school, participation in the drive started last year, with the school pledging a total of 213 gifts.
“This year we have exceeded expectation with 159 more boxes being pledged than before,” said Bouch.
“I am passionate about aligning myself with charity and community projects that make a lasting difference in the lives of others and encourage my learners to do the same.
“For some the contribution may be small but for those receiving these gifts, it may be the highlight of the year.”
Bouch continued by saying that the tutors of the school played a huge role in encouraging learners to make pledges and ensuring that the boxes made their way to the school on time.
“When we serve others wholeheartedly, we grow as humans,” said Bouch.
A total of 192 boxes were donated to the project by individual learners and their families, however three families took it upon themselves to make mass pledges.
Grade Seven twins, Kara and Gabby White pulled on their parent’s heartstrings subsequently swaying them to pledge 100 boxes.
“Being able to help others is something that is very close to our family’s hearts. We’re just happy that through this donation we will be ensuring that children feel special during the festive season,” said the sisters as they stacked boxes.
Another set of twins, Tanveer and Ranveer Deokali were responsible for pledging 30.
As his final gesture before the end of his school career, Levi Moodley pledged 50.
For more information go to www.santashoebox.org.za.
Follow them on social media:
TikTok: @santa.shoebox
Facebook: SantaShoebox
X: @SantaShoebox
Instagram: santashoebox
YouTube: The Santa Shoebox Project
Pinterest: santashoebox
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