KAROO NEWS - The Santa Shoebox Project, which brings delight annually to underprivileged children, will this year support 120 children from one facility in Graaff-Reinet and one in Aberdeen.
The aim of the project to give a shoebox full of treats to each child. Members of the public sponsor these gifts, and can choose which child they would like to sponsor by name, sex and age.
Last year, the majority of the boxes for local children came from Cape Town. “It would be awesome we could get enough pledges from local folk so that we don’t have to rely on people from other towns to help us out,” said Graaff-Reinet co-ordinator Kitty Viljoen.
Most donors enjoy choosing the contents of the box, but cash donations are also welcome. The recipients range from babies to 18-year-olds.
Each box should contain a few basic hygiene products as well as some treats - a small pack of sweets, age-appropriate toy, educational stationery supplies, and a new outfit.
The donor does not have to be an individual. Previously, friends or workmates have clubbed together to make special boxes. It could also be undertaken as a class project at our local schools.
If any organisation is planning to pledge more than 20 shoeboxes, they can skip the queue and register from 1 August. Email teampledge@santashoebox.org.za for more information.
For individuals, pledges can be made from 1 September. Full details and instructions are available on the website. Donors need to register and choose to pledge at the Graaff-Reinet centre.
More details for the date and place for dropping off the completed boxes in Graaff-Reinet will be available at a later stage. Help will also be available for those who would like to become involved but do not have internet access to register online.
'We bring you the latest Graaff-Reinet, Karoo news'
