The Santa Shoebox Project has kicked off for 2016. The project aims to donate 100 000 shoeboxes to underprivileged children across South Africa and Namibia.
Prospective beneficiaries apply to the project in April each year.
After September 1, donors get to choose who they make a pledge to; with the child’s name, age and gender known to them upfront so they can choose 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 pitch.
Donors are encouraged to involve their own children in selecting the name of a child and putting together his or her Santa Shoebox gift.
Gift boxes have to be filled according to the guidelines on the Santa Shoebox website (www.santashoebox.org.za) and include some practical necessities such as toothpaste and toothbrush, face cloth and soap, as well as sweets, educational supplies, a toy and an outfit of clothing.
The Santa Shoebox Project is an initiative of the Kidz2Kidz Trust, a registered public benefit and non-profit organisation.
Call 076 491 2407 (9am and 3pm) or email info@santashoe box.co.za for more information.