DEAR Editor,-
Please allow me to extend grateful thanks to all the wonderfully generous people and some corporates of Hibiscus Coast who gave beautifully decorated boxes of goodies for some of the many needy children in our area. The Santa Shoebox Project – Port Shepstone satellite – delivered 485 boxes to gorgeous smiles and special hugs in 2013.
It was so humbling to see some children who may never have received a gift like this before, be totally amazed that this box was especially for them – all theirs! Each box contained a toothbrush and toothpaste; face cloth and soap; sweets; clothing; a toy or ‘something to do’ and something educational.
This project has been blessed in its growth from 2011, when I became local coordinator. We started with 153 children that year. A project like this can never be a success without the help of eager volunteers. To them all, I say a sincere thank you, too.
We are hoping to grow this project each year, to include many more children who deserve a box. However, we can only grow with the help of more corporates getting involved, as well as individuals. Register as a donor on www.santashoebox.co.za so that when the action begins next year, you will be notified.
Find a shoe box now and start buying your gifts, little by little every month – then when the website goes live in September 2014 – you can log on, choose a child and buy the appropriate clothing and toy; then decorate your box. That way, the cost is spread and does not hit so hard.
Pep Stores is national sponsor and was really helpful when I had to swop clothing for extra boxes to be allocated to particular children. All SSB requirements are available from them, too.
Together we can do so much more – please join in the fun of teaching your child the joy of giving.
Be blessed!
ALLISON KEYS
Coordinator – Port Shepstone satellite of Santa Shoebox Project.
