Make a difference with a Santa Shoebox

Pledges for the annual Santa Shoebox Project have opened.

The initiative, that has become one of South Africa’s favourite ways to donate to underprivileged children across South Africa and Namibia, is celebrating its 10th birthday.

With this amazing milestone in mind the project aims to be bigger and better than ever, with hopes of securing as many pledges as possible.

This year the Santa Shoebox Project aims to donate 100 000 boxes to underprivileged children throughout the country.

What makes the Santa Shoebox Project a favourite with families, individuals and corporate donors is that it is highly personalised.

Prospective beneficiaries apply to the project in April each year, with the pledging process being opened from September 1.

Donors get to choose who they make a pledge to by visiting www.santashoebox.org.za, the child’s name, age and gender will be given to them upfront so that they are empowered to choose perfectly appropriate contents for their shoebox.

It is also why it is so important that all pledges are fulfilled – there’s always a child in anticipation of what Christmas might bring, and an unfulfilled pledge is just like Santa failing to make good on the promise of the festive season — remember that a pledge is a promise.

A decade of experience has finely honed the wisdom of what’s best to go into a Santa Shoebox.

There’s a specific balance of what every child wants and what underprivileged children particularly need, which has informed this year’s theme of ‘More Than Just a Shoebox’.

Always generous in spirit, some donors may want to fill the shoebox space with items more exciting than soap and a facecloth, toothpaste and a toothbrush; but the reality is these everyday gifts are vital under the circumstances.

There’s also plenty of space in a Santa Shoebox to include the fun stuff.

The template for a Santa Shoebox also includes an age-appropriate toy, an outfit of clothing and a vital gift of stationery, as well as a sweet treat.

If all of this seems too much for an individual donor, it’s easy to get together as a family, a community group or a corporate team to complete one Santa Shoebox that makes an extraordinary experience become real for a child.

Remember it’s not as important how the box gets filled as it is that a child gets a Santa Shoebox filled with what they need.

The GCN will be getting involved in this worthy cause and are encouraging the community to do the same.

Residents are encouraged to visit www.santashoebox.org.za to make their pledge.

Once your Santa Shoebox is completed you can either drop them off at the GCN’s offices situated at 25 Main Road, Fishers’ Hill, by Wednesday, November 2 (during office hours).

Alternatively boxes can be dropped off at JHB East, located at 3 Anchor Industrial Park, corner of Jones and Taljaard roads, in Jet Park.

Boxes must be delivered between November 4 to 6.

Drop off dates and times are:

•  Friday, November 4, from 8am to 5pm.
•  Saturday, November 5, from 8am to 6pm.
•  Sunday, November 6, from 9.30am to 2pm.

Make a difference in a child’s life this Christmas.

Other articles you may be interested in: 

Dinwiddie company supports Santa Shoebox Project

How to get involved with the Santa Shoebox Project