Join the Christmas Shoebox drive
The project was started with an aim to ensure that some of the less fortunate children receive Christmas gifts.
WITH the aim to bring smiles and festive cheer to less fortunate children, a Doonside resident is continuing with a drive she started 21 years ago of collecting gifts.
ALSO READ: Share Christmas cheer with shoebox project
Anne Butler started the Christmas Shoebox Drive in 2000 and every year she requests families to fill up a shoe box with items that will be donated to children who would otherwise get no Christmas gifts.
“You can only imagine the excitement when Father Christmas arrives and we were able to give each child a shoe box filled with exciting goodies. If you are unable to fill up a box, any donation will be much appreciated,” said Anne.
On average, the project collects about 600 boxes a year that are distributed to children through various local care centers. While donations for all age groups are welcome, Anne is mostly looking for items to be given to boys and girls between the ages of nine and 12. These could be toothbrushes, toothpaste, face cloths, T-shirts, shorts, underwear, colouring books and pencils and sweets (not chocolates).
“Other items which can be included according to the gender and age of the child could be small toys, small balls, skipping rope, puzzles and small games, model animals and soft toys. Please do not include guns, knives, toy soldiers, liquids, glass objects and toys that require batteries.”
Having been orphaned at 12-years-old, Anne knows all too well the feeling of not getting any gifts at Christmas. Boxes need to be filled and returned by Thursday, November 25. For drop-off points, Anne can be contacted on 078 473 9864.
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