Santa’s Shoebox Project is an inspiring community initiative that co-ordinates the donation, collection and distribution of personalised gifts at Christmas time to underprivileged children; while at the same time helping parents teach their own children about the joys of giving.

Participating is a profoundly valuable and personal experience as the donor knows the name, age and gender of the child that he/she chooses to donate to and the name of the organisation that cares for the child.

The MAC Office Support Team gathered on Wednesday 12th October to add our contribution of 30 boxes to the Santa’s Shoebox Project. The boardroom was laid out with an array of
clothing, toiletries and toys to fill each individually labeled and wrapped box to be given out to a child in need. Each box was filled with an item of clothing, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a bar of soap and face cloth, a stationery item better described as ‘something to do’, and a toy/activity, better described as ‘something to love’, and then last but not least, some sweets.

The shoebox lid and base were wrapped separately as these boxes also serve as a keepsake for the child who receives it and a personalised label was affixed to the lid with the child’s name, age and sex. It was a very fulfilling experience to go out and shop for these children.

The 2012 interns went off to Makro for me to do the toiletry and sweets shopping, and I then headed off to the shops to buy the clothing, toys and stationery. It was fun watching the faces of the other shoppers looking at me with wide eyes as I selected clothing from my list and piled baskets and trolleys high with an assortment of goodies. The support team had great fun packing and wrapping the boxes, which were then dropped off with the Santa’s Shoebox organisers, who in turn deliver to the children.

Thank you to MAC for giving the Support Team this opportunity and allowing us to
enrich the lives of some of South Africa’s children!