Spread Christmas Cheer by Donating Pre-loved Books to Children

Photo Credit: Charity Begins With Me via Facebook

‘Charity Begins With Me’ founder Stephan is on a mission to bring Christmas cheer to children in disadvantaged communities in Johannesburg.

Johannesburg, South Africa (14 October 2024) – From the harmonious carols to the bright lights and excitement of receiving presents, Christmas is a magical time for the young, old and in-between!

Sadly, however, many young children don’t get to experience even half of this joy due to the many hardships and challenges that they face daily. A home filled with decorations or receiving a gift are often distant dreams.

Determined to do his part in spreading some Christmas cheer to the disadvantaged youngsters of the Westrand, Durban Deep, Braamfisher, and Mathole communities is Stephan from Charity Begins With Me.

“Christmas is not always a festive time and many children from informal settlements will not be getting a gift this year. I want to change that. I usually hand out around 1,500 Christmas gifts each year. It is usually a gift bag with a variety of toys, food items, stationery, games etc.

“I like to include a wrapped book as well. Apart from the fact that I realise the importance of getting children to read and love books, I also feel it is important for kids in the township to get at least one wrapped gift,” Stephan shares.

Immeasurable dedication and countless hours of hard work go into gathering funds, collecting the pre-loved books and buying the goods that go into the packages, which are received with eagerness and wide smiles.

Stephan is looking to collect 1,500 books and appeals to the greater public to help make this happen by donating children’s books -in decent condition- that they no longer use.

He will be collecting books until 30 November, and drop-offs can be made at Fairland in Johannesburg or via PostNet.

For more information, contact Stephan here.