A picture paints a thousand words (as the picture opposite shows). One can just imagine the delighted squeals and broad grins when a child opens their own magic box, and from it comes their very own toothbrush and toothpaste, or when a teenager receives his first deodorant.
Well, we’re just over three months away from that most wonderful time of the year, from Christmas. However, to small children every day is Christmas. “Once again, the Santa Shoebox Project is distributing joy and happiness to children across the Overberg,” said Gerda Swanepoel, the region’s spokesperson for the Santa Shoebox Project, “and we need your help to reach our target of 450 shoeboxes this year.”
Schools and day-care centres, from Botrivier to Greyton, Caledon, Stanford and Zwelihle have already been checked and verified. “Shoebox deliveries begin between the last week of October and the first week of November,” Swanepoel said, “so now is the time to get involved.”
Overberg residents have helped Santa Shoebox meet its targets every year, and it is confident that with their generosity we will do so again. Pledging is now open on the Santa Shoebox website at www.santashoebox.org.za.
“Simply log on and pledge your box, or boxes,” Swanepoel said. “This is a wonderful project for your company, sports club, church group or family to take on together.”
She also inspires people to be creative. “Paint or decorate your box and add festive gift wrap, but please do not fully seal and wrap the box closed. We often need to add extra goodies thanks to kind and unforeseen donations, and we need to be able to open the lid.”
Pledge a virtual box by paying online; the box is packed and distributed in areas close to the Hermanus drop-off point.
What goes into the box?
• A standard size-9 or -10 shoebox must contain the following essential items, suitable for both ages and genders: A toothbrush and toothpaste, a bar of soap and facecloth, age-appropriate educational supplies, a toy (age-appropriate and non-violent), sweets that will not melt, clothing, for example a dress for a girl or an outfit such as a T-shirt and shorts or jeans for a boy. Extra items to consider, especially for teens: sanitary towels for girls and deodorants for both boys and girls. Books are always very welcome.
“Finding toys for young children is easy, but teenagers can be trickier. Items such as ear pods, skipping ropes, swimming goggles and hair accessories count here.”
Once your box is full stick the printed label on the front with the checklist ticked, and place two rubber bands around the box to prevent accidental spillage in transit.
The Santa Shoebox website is filled with information about past successes and how the project has assisted in upgrading schools, creating reading corners, and showing a lasting commitment to early-childhood development (ECD) across South Africa.
So come along and join our heroes, both past and present, and make this Christmas memorable for hundreds of Overberg children.
For further information visit www.santashoebox.org.za or contact Swanepoel on +27 82 700 5760.
