The public are being asked to participate in the Santa Shoebox Project.
The Santa Shoebox Project (SSB), said to be South Africa’s most-loved children’s charity, launches its Virtual Santa Shoebox on 1 September.
The Virtual Santa Shoebox supports SSB’s three-year goal to March to a Million, with an aim of reaching one million children by 2019. To reach this mark, the goal for each year has increased, to 110 000 Shoeboxes this year, 115 000 in 2018 and 125 000 in 2019.
Irené Pieters, SSB Founder and CEO said, “The Virtual Santa Shoebox has been established with convenience in mind. The method is simple. Donors should visit the SSB website to pledge for a child selected by name, age and gender. They are then able to choose the eight items to fill the box and to write a personal message which SSB will print onto a gift card for the child.
“We launched this option to accommodate donors with hectic schedules, or those who live overseas or locally, far from a Drop Off point, but would still love to contribute to making a difference in the lives of underprivileged children,” Irené said.
Once the items have been selected on-line, the SSB team will pack them into decorated boxes and deliver them to children around the country. There’s also an option for a generic Virtual Santa Shoebox, which includes all the necessary contents and is available at a click of the mouse. A Virtual Santa Shoebox costs R400.
To participate in the Santa Shoebox Project and register as a supporter visit www.santashoebox.org.za. From 1 September donors will be able to choose the child/ren to whom they wish to give a Shoebox. The decorated Santa Shoeboxes need to be dropped off at central distribution points across the country on designated dates in October. A list of drop off locations and dates can be found at https://santashoebox.org.za/find-my-local-dropoff/
The following items are required to complete a Santa Shoebox:
1. Standard-sized shoebox or plastic container, box and lid wrapped separately
2. Barcoded label which the donor will receive upon pledging online
3. Toothbrush
4. Toothpaste
5. Facecloth
6. Soap
7. Toy
8. Outfit of clothing
9. School supplies
10. Sweets
#All items must be age-appropriate and new.
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