Halfway there: Walk in Faith Christmas Cheer project needs more donors

Local charity Walk in Faith’s annual Christmas Cheer Box of Blessings (BOB) project still has 195 children in need of a gift box containing essential items and a few presents.

With a total of 380 beneficiaries, the organisation is halfway to providing underprivileged children with a box of essentials, toys and clothing over the festive season.

Now in its 12th year, the initiative collects boxes filled with goodies, to be distributed at Christmas.

Each A4 box is covered and includes 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.

Members of the public are invited to sponsor a unique, personalised box for each of the almost 400 children on Walk in Faith’s database.

NPO founder Merinda Ackerman said the box has a specific wish list that donors are urged to adhere to.

“The cost per box will vary as the price of toiletries has gone up, but we ask donors to keep to the price list and not to spoil the child, as he or she may have a sibling who receives a ‘less elaborate’ box, which may cause unnecessary hurt,” said Ackerman.

“Each year, thanks to our amazing support, we get to surprise hundreds of children.

“From beach toys and rugby balls, to sparkly jewellery, dolls, clothes and sweet treat, these boxes become little bundles of magic that these youngsters look forward to over the festive season.

“Walk in Faith also requests that donors fill the box with new, unopened items. Some sponsors donate only certain items for the box, so we need to ensure every box is complete.”

Donor options

Option 1: Make a financial donation of between R350 and R450 towards a specific child on the list. Shopping and packing will be done on your behalf.
Option 2: Choose a specific child from the list, purchase the items and pack the box/bag.
Option 3: Form a group with your friends, family or co-workers, and select one or more children from the list.
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 on the list are confidential, and no information may be disclosed to the public.

All donations must be delivered to 38 Raphia Palm, Arboretum. For more information or to pledge, contact 081 5382331 or 083 4170133.

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