Santa Shoebox Project calls on Boksburg residents to pledge support
With Santa Shoebox pledges now open, Boksburg residents are being encouraged to pack a box and bring some festive joy to a child in need.
The Santa Shoebox Project (SSP), which has brought joy to more than 1.5 million children since 2006, is calling on Boksburg residents to get involved as pledges for its 20th birthday campaign officially opened on September 1.
Santa Shoebox Project is a national children’s charity that allows individuals, families, schools, community groups and businesses to choose a specific child by name, age, and gender and pack a personalised gift box filled with essential and fun items.
These include toiletries, new clothing, educational supplies, a toy and sweets, with donors also encouraged to include a handwritten note for the child.
For Boksburg residents, the project has a particularly local connection, with Santa Shoebox beneficiaries previously coming from areas including Vosloorus, Windmill Park, Reiger Park, Villa Liza and Holomisa, among others.
Benoni resident Margie “Wizard of Buzz” Kostelac is the national sponsorship and regional co-ordinator for Gauteng, North West, Free State and Limpopo.
She said the message she wants to share with Boksburg residents is that they do not have to donate dozens of boxes to make a difference.
“One box equals one child. Even if a family can only make one box, that is one child who will receive something special,” she said.
“I want people to have fun with it and think about making it special for a child. Write a little note and put it in the box. These notes mean so much to each and every recipient.”
Kostelac said the current cost of living should not discourage families from participating.
“People don’t have to feel that they need to make five or 10 boxes. A single box can have a huge impact on the life of one child,” she said.
“Schools can get together as a class and make a few boxes, and companies can get their staff together and pack boxes.”
Talking about her involvement in the project for the past 19 years, she said it all started with the pledging of two boxes.
“My mother and I donated two boxes and 99 beanies. Seeing how many boxes were waiting to be distributed, I offered my assistance, now I am a permanent member of the team,” she said.
The project aims to deliver more than 80 000 boxes nationally this year.
In Joburg East, residents can drop off their completed boxes at Cargo Compass Logistics, Greenstone Mall and Mugg & Bean Farrarmere Square.
Most drop-offs will take place during the last weekend of October, when volunteers will also be needed to receive, check, sort and prepare the boxes for distribution.
For those who cannot physically pack a box or live too far from a drop-off point, virtual Santa Shoeboxes can also be purchased through the project’s website.
These boxes are packed by the SSP team and delivered to children at facilities in areas where there may not be enough local donors.
Kostelac said the project is ultimately about connecting one donor with one child.
“When a child gets that box and sees their name on it, they know somebody out there thought about them and wanted them to have something special,” she said.
With Santa Shoebox celebrating 20 years of giving, Boksburg residents are being encouraged to make their own contribution to the project’s story.
For more information about how you can get involved go to www.santashoebox.org.za
Or follow them on any of these platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/SantaShoebox
www.linkedin.com/company/santa-shoebox-project/
www.instagram.com/santashoebox/
ALSO READ: Apply to be a Santa Shoebox beneficiary
ALSO READ: Become a Santa Shoebox volunteer
