Every year we leave it up to supermarket stores to signal the time to start with the Christmas prep and, well, this year it seems they bypassed Halloween.

And while we aren’t too fond of the early reminders, this one comes with a good cause.

The annual drive to collect and distribute gifts to underprivileged children throughout South Africa and Namibia during the Christmas season has begun.

Of course, the key is public participation – which is where you come in.

If you’re not familiar with the Santa Shoebox project, South Africa’s best-loved children’s charity is now in its 11th year and is only growing with strength, explains Home Food And Travel:

Having exceeded 650 000 Shoeboxes in 2016, SSB is marching to reach one million 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 and the millionth Shoebox is delivered by a donor to one of the more than 50 Drop Offs.

To help achieve these goals, Stor-Age, South Africa’s leading self storage brand, has teamed up with the project and will be giving away shoeboxes at all Stor-Age outlets nationwide.

Then, once you have packed your shoebox, you will be able to drop it off with them as well, explains Stor-Age company spokesperson Chris Oosthuizen:

“We have made it incredibly easy for the public to become involved in this special initiative. The public can collect a free shoebox from any Stor-Age store nationwide, and return it once they have filled it with their items. We will then work alongside project organisers to ensure they are distributed to underprivileged children.’’

Easy as pie!

If you’re not too sure about the process, Suzelle explains all in this little DIY clip:

There really isn’t a reason not to.

You can learn more about the Santa Shoebox project here.

A quick heads up, too – if you’re after 50% off your first month’s storage, 2OV has a deal for you right HERE.

[source:tableviewinfo]