Residents can start pledging to the annual nationwide Santa Shoebox. According to Gerda Peuckert, organiser of this project in Secunda, 225 packed shoeboxes are needed this year

These boxes will go to children in need at House of Mercy in eMbalenhle, the Cosmos Children’s Home in Kriel, Janelle Huis in Evander, and the SAVF Secunda Child and Youth Care Centre.

To pledge, you can visit the website santashoebox.org.za, choose a child you want to give a gift to, and fill in the details.

The shoebox must contain a toothbrush and toothpaste; a face cloth and soap; an educational item; one outfit of clothing; a sweet; a toy, sunglasses, or age-appropriate cards (such as Uno, especially for older children); and any extras you wish to add.

According to Peuckert, older children are usually chosen last, and she urged the community to pledge boxes for them.