RICHARDS Bay charity, Walk in Faith, is rallying support for its annual Box of Blessings (BOB) Project which provides underprivileged children with a box of essentials, toys and clothing over the festive period. This year, with Covid-19 and the associated lockdown, the need is even greater.

The project was started to assist families, supported by Walk in Faith, in the Richards Bay and Empangeni areas, giving them something extra for Christmas.

Charity founder, Merinda Ackerman, said many of the families struggled to pay rent or buy groceries every month. In addition to assisting with this, Walk in Faith raises extra funds for end-of-year gifts.

‘In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of families we help has drastically increased,’ said Ackerman. ‘We are currently caring for approximately 230 children, but believe that, by the festive season, this number will be 350 children or more.’

She said the project was all about making a difference to a child’s life, whether it’s a toddler, scholar or teenager. Walk in Faith provides the child’s first name, age and gender to the donor.
Each wrapped A4 box should include:
A school or sports’ bag with some toiletries;
A few snacks (maximum of three);
One pair of socks; and
One gift from their wish list.
All items must be put in the box with the child’s name.
‘We understand that most donors would like to spoil the children, but we strive to maintain a set standard as some of these children have brothers and sisters, and not all our sponsors can afford to buy expensive items.’
Donors are, however, welcome to add some clothes/shoes to their box/bag, or something small they would like, such as earphones or stickers.
Donor options
Option 1: Make a financial donation of between R300 to R350 towards a specific child on the list, and shopping and packing will be done on your behalf.
Option 2: Choose a specific child from the list, purchase and package the toiletries, snacks, socks and gift.
Option 3: Form a group with your friends, family or co-workers, and select one or more children from the list. Decide who will be responsible for the shopping, the packing and the packaging.
Option 4: Choose a specific child from the list, purchase all the items, deliver the items, and Walk in Faith will pack the box of blessings on your behalf.

The identities of children are confidential, and no information may be disclosed to the public. All donations must be delivered on or before Friday, 20 November, to 38 Raphia Palm Arboretum. For more information, contact Merinda on 081 538 2331 or email merinda.a69@gmail.com