Time for Santa Shoebox in Mbombela again
Underprivileged children in the local Mbombela community will receive specially packed gifts this year thanks to the Santa Shoebox Project.
The Santa Shoebox Project is back again this year in a bid to collect and distribute specially packed gifts for underprivileged children in the local community.
The project, which is carried out nationally, has seen the involvement of volunteers, a group of employees from Halls in Mbombela, since 2015.
One of Mbombela’s volunteers, Lauren Renaud, said over the years, Halls, with the help of the community, has co-ordinated the town’s drop-off for the national project.
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“Our Santa Shoeboxes are distributed to seven facilities in our community. This year the target is 1 193 personally wrapped boxes.
“The project is highly dependent on the good hearts of donors, and we would like to encourage everyone in our community to join our project by registering on www.santashoebox.org.za.
“I believe that by pledging a Santa Shoebox for a child, it reminds us that it is far better to give than to receive, especially when kids are involved. It gives less fortunate children hope in that they know that someone whom they have never met cares enough about them to pack a special gift, especially for them.”
She said the gifts provide necessary stationery and essentials to children who would not have something that belongs to them otherwise.
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“Our pledge is our promise – we promise to deliver each gift to each child. It is worth every effort when you see children’s faces light up when they receive their boxes.”
She said once a person has registered to take part in the project, they will select Mbombela as their drop-off. The next step is to fill a standard size shoebox, beautifully decorated (this is where you can get creative), with all eight items: a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, a facecloth, a set of clothing, educational supplies, a toy and a sweet.
The items must all be new and age-appropriate.
The drop-off date starts today, Friday October 27, and will end on October 28 at the Halls Training Centre in Mataffin. Enquiries: Renaud on 082 561 4783.
