The Gift of Giving

For anyone who has not yet been part of the Santa's Shoebox Project, please do consider doing it this year.

Santa's Shoebox Project is a fantastic initiative of Kidz2Kidz Trust, providing Christmas boxes for children in need - many of whom have never, ever received a Christmas gift. And there's something in it for you too: you're practically guaranteed to feel really good about doing good.

Our local Life Group did this for the first time last year, and it really was a wonderful experience. It was humbling to put together this box of fairly simple things knowing how greatly it would impact a little person's life. It was also pretty amazing to watch our own little people get involved in this process with such love and excitement, from picking out what went into the box, to writing in the card and decorating everything.

Putting together a box is really easy. Here's what you need to do:

Get an empty shoe-box. It can be the one with the separate lid, or a hinge box that opens from one side. A medium sized box is ideal. And if you don't have a shoe-box a clear plastic container of similar size will do just as well.

Decorate the box. This can be done by wrapping it (be certain it can still open), painting on it, using stickers - be as creative as you like.

Decide on the gender and age of the child for whom you're preparing the box.

Fill the box with new and age appropriate goodies including the following:

• Toothpaste
• Tooth brush
• Bar of soap
• Wash cloth
• An outfit of clothing
• Educational supplies
• Sweets
• A toy

Ensure that there is no perishable or allergy based foods (e.g. nuts), medicines, glass or other sharp objects or religious/political/weapon-type items (e.g. toy guns or swords) included in the box. The Trust reserves the right to remove any of these prohibited items. Also, remember put any liquid items - or anything that could spill/mess - in a ziploc bag before putting it into the box.

Once you have the contents of the box, write a short letter to the recipient of the box, wishing them well, and letting you know that every item purchased has been done so with them in mind. The idea is to make them feel super special and spread some love.

Finally, drop off the completed box at your local drop off. There are different spots and deadlines all over the country with different dates, so if you've missed the local ones, be sure to get to the next closest place! You can check out the website www.santashoebox.co.za.