Project brings smiles, gifts to kids
The Santa Shoebox Project 2015 has successfully come to a close and a total of 181 boxes were collected and handed out.
LIMPOPO – The Santa Shoebox Project 2015 has successfully come to a close and a total of 181 boxes were collected and handed out.
The first celebration took place on 13 November at a Drop In Centre in extention 14. Though the heat was intense, it didn’t phase the children. They were joyous as they received their personalised gifts.
The second celebration took place at a community day care in Bakone, Saaiplaas. The excitement was electric as the Santa Shoebox team pulled up at the venue. Teachers and parents came out onto the street dancing and ululating. The children themselves knew something special had been planned but were not sure of what to expect.
After a concert performed by the little ones, the gift boxes were finally handed out. With some children, it was evident that they had never received a wrapped and personalised present before.
They seemed to be in shock, and unbelieving even as they opened up their very own gift boxes, said Ansa Smit, project coordinator in Mokopane.
Thank you to the sponsors: Sanel Honiball for giving us use of her coffee shop as the drop off venue, SOS for transporting the cartons of gift boxes and assisting with the celebrations, Pontsho Moshokwe for her time and assistance, Magali Barlow for tirelessly promoting the project and securing additional sponsorship’s and the Santa Shoebox team and volunteers, Ansa Smit, Kinna Wessels, Karlien Linde, Pontsho Moshokwe, Gina O’ Farrel and Gary O’ Farrel.
