Trucks are revving, mountains of boxes are being checked and scanned, and an estimated 80 000 children countrywide are waiting for the Santa Shoebox Project (SSP) to roll into their neighbourhoods.

Over the past two decades, the organisation has become a network that works hand in hand with jolly St Nick to spread Christmas cheer.

Closer to home, Rotarian and local real estate agent Rhoda Toker’s Lakewest home resembles a boxed fort as she prepares to make her delivery.

From a young age, Rotary Anns of Benoni Van Ryn member Rhoda Toker has aligned herself with charitable projects, bringing joy to children close to her heart.

For the past six years, Rhoda has used her knack for closing deals to get Benonians behind SSP, donating festive boxes to children who might otherwise miss out on the magic of Christmas.

With steely eyes and not accepting ‘no’ easily, she managed to collect a total of 560 boxes this year, 140 more than last year.

“Santa Shoebox is not only a worthy cause with a wide reach. The project is professionally run and managed, thus ensuring that every lovingly packed box gets into the hands of precious children,” she said, staring out on the donations which have engulfed her lounge.

“When pledging opens at the beginning of September, I become nervous, worried that I would not be able to reach my target.

“As the boxes start rolling in, I am filled with joy and excitement. Each box is so generously packed and decorated with the care of a loving aunt, granny or mom; something many of these children do not have.

“In a world that is filled with so much negativity and heartache, it is easy to lose sight of the true meaning of the season.

“Being involved with the project has once again reignited the feeling of festive wonder in my heart and I believe in the hearts of those who continue to support the initiative.”

More local support

Also swept up in the spirit of generosity, Mugg & Bean at The Square @ Farrarmere dusted off its Christmas tree early and threw its weight behind SSP as a drop-off point, while giving patrons the chance to get involved.

Balancing trays of steaming signature drinks, waiters smile broadly as they return with a box or two displaying the names of SSP beneficiaries.

“As first-time participants, we threw caution to the wind requesting 100 names off the Santa Shoebox recipient list,” said owner Catherine Gogos.

“We managed to collect 121 lovingly packed boxes and are expecting more to flood through the doors before the end of the month, with Benonians taking advantage of our service as a drop-off point.”

She continued, saying their participation this year, which also commemorates SSP’s 20th birthday, was driven by their desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of children in need.

“Santa Shoebox is a well-oiled machine with clear objectives driven by transparency and values.

“Knowing that we have contributed to children’s joy, making them feel cared for, seen and loved, is the perfect way to kick off the festive season.

“We are proud of our participation and appreciate our clients for taking our hands in making little dreams come true. We hope to exceed our target next year as SSP has now become part of our business’ culture.”

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