With only a few months left until the end of the year, South Africans can get into the festive spirit early by not only donating a personalised gift of essential items and treats to underprivileged children, but by also empowering them with the opportunity to give a gift too.

Pledges for South Africa’s favourite gift-giving initiative, the Santa Shoebox Project, open on September 1.

Also read: Santa Shoebox Project needs volunteers

Under this year’s theme of ‘Share the Love’, donors will have the option to duplicate an item in their box, enabling the beneficiary child to gift that item to a friend or family member.

Enabling these kids to experience the joy of giving for themselves enhances other benefits such as personal growth and increased self-esteem,” explained Santa Shoebox Programmes (SSP) chief executive officer Deb Zelezniak.

Typically, Santa Shoeboxes contain a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, a facecloth, school supplies, a toy, sweets and an outfit of clothing. This year, in addition to the duplicate item provided by the public, Book Dash, which creates African storybooks that anyone can freely download and distribute, will be including two books – one for the recipient and the other for them to gift to someone else.

“This amplifies the sharing, because a book is meant to be read together, either with a friend or by a parent or teacher.

Since 2006, our beloved project has reached 1 077 289 children throughout South Africa and Namibia, thanks to the generosity of its donors.

“In 2022, we will be positively impacting the lives of many more, and we so appreciate your help in doing so,” concluded Zelezniak.

To share the love or for more information, click here.