Pledge to make a #ShoeboxOfLove 

Christmas is an exciting and magical time for children around the world, yet we hear of many South African parents asking how best to teach their own children the value of giving, while also helping them to understand the reality of Christmas for South African children living in poverty.

Operation Shoebox is a shining example of how to keep the magic of Christmas alive while actively and creatively giving back to the community with a #ShoeboxOfLove. Every year, this initiative sees several thousand shoeboxes distributed to nominated charities and centres in the Western Cape and Gauteng. The Anna Foundation has been extremely fortunate to be a recipient of this initiative for the last 7 years and the shoeboxes are a highlight for our learners across all ages.

What is a #ShoeboxofLove?

 A #ShoeboxOfLove is an ordinary shoebox that gets lovingly covered in bright paper and decorated, before being filled with goodies and distributed as a Christmas present to children. On its website, Operation Shoebox provides donors with a list of content guidelines, including mostly functional items, as well as small luxury extras such as toys, clothing or treats. Shoeboxes can be personalised i.e. donors ‘adopt a child’ who has written his/her likes and wishes in advance, which helps donors to buy appropriate items.

 How can you get involved?

There are three ways to get involved:

  • Make a Shoebox of Love: Until 31st October 2019, you are able to ‘adopt a child’, personalise a shoebox of love, fill it with appropriate items, and drop it off at The Anna Foundation distribution centre (or arrange where we can pick it up)!
  • Donate your time: Operation Shoebox is always looking for volunteers to help sort and distribute shoeboxes
  • Donate your money: if you’re short on time, but would like to contribute the financial equivalent of a shoebox (approx. R300) or part thereof, donations are gladly received.

At the time of writing this article, The Anna Foundation is still outstanding 134 shoeboxes. But with your help, we are confident that we can reach our target goal and provide all of our learners with a personalised #ShoeboxofLove2019.

Please click here to pledge your help and make a massive difference to one of our learners this Christmas!

Final word: if your school would like to get involved in a 1-week Christmas drive before 31st October, please get in touch and we’ll send you the list of items that we need for our boxes, so that you can get started! Email lucie@annafoundation.com for more info.

Photo credit: Operation Shoebox website