Wishlists for this year’s annual Box of Blessings (BOB) project are out, with 300 of the 380 beneficiaries needing sponsors.

Those donating will fill Christmas boxes with gifts and essentials for December.

Now in its 13th year, the BOB initiative is driven by local NPO, Walk in Faith.

Founder, Merinda Ackerman, believes they will once again meet their target thanks to the power of community and generous donors who support the cause.

How it works

Starting in July, donors are encouraged to select a wishlist from boys and girls of different ages.

Donors can either make a financial contribution towards a child on the list, with shopping and packing done on their behalf.

Alternatively, donors can choose a child from the list, buy the items and pack the A4 box or deliver the items to Walk in Faith for packing.

Groups can also team up and work together to meet a certain target number of boxes.

Boxes are filled with items from the list of essentials, toys, clothing and gifts which are distributed as part of the organisation’s Christmas cheer project.

Each 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 wishlist.

The identities of children on the list are confidential, and no information may be disclosed to the public.

Help where you can

There are just under 400 children on the database, and Ackerman stressed the importance of not having to buy expensive gifts.

“We understand the state of the economy and reassure donors that it is the thought and love that counts as they prepare the gifts for the boxes,” she said.

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

For more information or to pledge contact 081 5382331 or 083 4170133.

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