THE Santa’s Shoebox project, which brings delight to underprivileged children, has this year supported children from three local facilities, in Graaff-Reinet, Bedford and Aberdeen.
For the protection of the children, the facilities may not be named, but local co-ordinator, Kitty Viljoen, has assured the Komani-Karoo Express that all the children were truly deserving of their special treats.
A shoebox full of gifts is given to each of the children at the facilities. These were sponsored by members of the public, who were able to choose which child they would like to sponsor by name, sex and age.
Each box contained some basic hygiene products, as well as some treats, such as a small pack of sweets, age-appropriate toys, educational stationery supplies, and a voucher for a new outfit of clothes. The excitement of the children receiving the gifts was clear to see, with many looks of sheer delight at something as simple as a can of deodorant or a new toothbrush.
Many of the little girls received fluffy or sparkly tiaras, which were soon on their heads, and a favourite gift for the boys was a small soccer ball. A pencil bag with brand new stationery is something that many children take for granted at the beginning of the new school year, but for most of these children, it really is a special treat to be treasured. – REPORTER
