Santa Shoebox March to a Million
Help the Santa Shoebox Project reach one million children.
The Santa Shoebox (SSB) project is shaking things up in its eleventh year.
Having exceeded 650 000 shoeboxes in 2016, SSB is working to reach 1 000 000 underprivileged children by 2019. What this means is that the number of Shoeboxes required each year will be increasing to 110 000 in 2017, 115 000 in 2018 and 125 000 in 2019.
The excitement will build until the millionth pledge is made for the millionth child. In support of the March To A Million, a flagship drop-off will be held at Stor-Age in Randburg, Johannesburg. This site, and the drop-off point at Khoza Sports Club Pigeon Hall in Monument, Krugersdorp, are the closest to Roodepoort.
“To have the magic million in sight is truly awe-inspiring,” said chief executive officer and founder of the project, Irené Pieters. “When we collected 160 Shoeboxes in a friend’s garage back in 2006, not in our wildest dreams did we envisage marching to a million.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our stakeholders over the last 10 years for supporting us in so many, very generous ways. We literally could not have achieved this without you,” she added.
The public are asked to participate in the project by visiting www.santashoebox.org.za to register as a supporter. From 1 September, donors will be able to choose the child or children to whom they want to give a Shoebox.
The decorated Santa Shoeboxes need to be dropped off at central distribution points across the country on designated dates in October. A list of drop-off locations and dates can be found on the website.
The following items are required to complete a Santa Shoebox:
Standard-sized shoebox or plastic container, colourfully decorated (preferably with lid and base separate, please)
Barcoded label which the donor will receive upon pledging online
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Facecloth
- Soap
- Toy
- Outfit of clothing
- School supplies
- Sweets
Please note that all items must be age-appropriate and new.
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