Santa Shoebox 2012 kicks off with a target of 100 000 boxes

This inspiring non-profit organisation has been collecting Santa Shoeboxes at Christmas time for thousands of children from distinctly vulnerable social backgrounds since 2006, and this year the target is 100 000 shoe boxes. These will be dispatched to more than 900 children's homes, orphanages and other child care institutions across the country, in time to make many little hearts happy over the festive season.

Involve own children

The Santa Shoebox Project offers people from all walks of life the chance to participate in a profoundly valuable and personal experience, enriching the lives of those doing the giving and those on the receiving end. Parents are encouraged to involve their children in the process of personally selecting the name of a specific child from the selection lists on the website, who may never have received a gift at Christmas before.

Together gift boxes may be then be chosen and filled according to the guidelines provided, with some practical necessities, such as toothpaste and toothbrush, face cloth and soap, as well as sweets, educational supplies, a toy and an item of clothing, all to suit the gender and age of the recipient.

Project relies on corporates

The project relies heavily on corporate sponsorship to facilitate its continued growth and outreach and, according to Santa Shoebox national coordinator Irene Pieters, retail giant PEP is among the loyal sponsors on board again this year with a generous contribution. "PEP's ongoing participation will give the project a considerable boost while hopefully inspiring other corporates to follow suit. Last year we witnessed firsthand the enormous energy and effort that PEP generates when getting behind a project, and this year they are going even bigger."

Enter into the spirit of the Festive Season early this year and register online at www.santashoebox.co.za when registration opens on 1 September 2012. The gift wrapped Santa Shoeboxes need to be dropped off at central distribution points across the country between 24 and 31 October.