Join the Cricut South Africa community spreading creative joy to kids #makeitforward
Be a part of Cricut Shoebox Project powered by the Cricut community and partners.
What if a simple project, like giving a special box; full of surprises, could make a child’s day truly special? If one project can spur that much joy, imagine what hundreds of projects can do. That’s why we wanted to Make It Forward by launching the Cricut Crate Shoebox Project.
Every day we see hundreds of creative projects being made, and we know so many of you are using that creativity to bless others. Here’s a new opportunity that we believe will make a difference and with your help, we can inspire other makers to join in — or, as we like to say: #makeitforward
What we would like to do & make together:
We’re launching a #makeitforward Project with our community and partners. This July & August we are making, filling & customizing shoeboxes to be delivered to our supporting partners: Incredible Connection, PNA, Waltons and Rectron. Imagine a beautifully Cricut decorated shoebox filled with essentials and some spoils: toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, wash cloth, clothing outfit, something educational, sweets, a toy and more that we can make for kids to receive from the #CricutSA community.
Keep reading to learn more about how you can get involved and #makeitforward
Here’s how you can get involved
1. Find an empty shoebox
Or decorate a medium sized plastic tub/container that can be used as storage box or toy box
2. Decorate the box
Be creative! We want you to think Vinyl, cardstock, printable stickers and Cricut to decorate your box
3. Fill the box with gifts and basic essentials
All items must be NEW and AGE-APPROPRIATE.
All of the following items are required:
- Toothpaste
- Tooth brush
- Bar of soap
- Wash cloth
- An outfit of clothing – something to wear
- Educational supplies – something to learn/read
- Sweets – something to eat. Please be mindful
- A toy – something to play with
Please consider also including a reusable shopping bag for the child to carry their Shoebox home in.
Some additional things to consider:
- Please put all liquids into a ziplock bag, so that the contents cannot leak
- Please avoid battery operated toys that cannot be replaced due to costs
- Avoid the following
- Perishable or tinned food or sweets containing nuts. Please put chocolates in a ziplock bag.
- Medicine or vitamins
- Violence-related items like toy guns or knives.
- Anything of a political, religious or racial nature.
4. The fine print
Who will receive my box? Anyone identified in need of a smile. The beneficiary of your box will be in the area you drop off (area covers urban and rural children).
All boxes must be delivered:
- a) on time, and
- b) to the correct Drop Off point to ensure allocation
All gifts should be new & all items are required.
Please make sure your gifts are age-appropriate and that you do not send any items which might be swallowed or mistaken for sweets.
We reserve the right to remove an item not suitable and use it for the benefit of the charity.
All Boxes can be delivered directly to stores/offices of:
- Rectron, PnA, Waltons & Incredible Connection – selected stores
Lets start making:
Here is some inspiration for you as you consider making. Suitable designs can be found in Design Space. Search under “free images,” kids, toys, etc.
Share & Inspire:
Join the Cricut Family South Africa Facebook page and share what you make to help inspire fellow members. Our admins, moderators, and members will be there to support you. You can also see what the community is making and sharing to inspire others by searching the hashtag #makeitforward on Instagram and Facebook.
We cannot wait to make with you.
FAQ:
1. How long will the campaign run?
Friday 8 July to Sunday 19 August 2022
2. How often will the box’s be picked up from stores/locations?
We will collect full pallets from stores and take them to a central point for distribution.
3. How will the campaign be communicated?
We will share across Cricut and partners digital channels. We appreciate your support sharing with us so we can feature your pages.
4. How many boxes can I make?
Even one project can make a difference, but we encourage you to create as many as you can
5. What colours should I consider?
Use gender-neutral colours, images, and phrases. Please also clearly mark your box with information indicating the age and gender the box is suitable for – please consider everyone from young to older.
6. What materials do you recommend for these projects?
Cardstock and vinyl.
7. What ages should I consider?
We welcome kids sizes 6-16.
8. What hashtag should I use?
We love when you share your projects. Tag us and make sure to use #makeitforward and #cricutsa #cricutmade #togetherwemake when you do so we can feature you in Cricut pages.
9. How will I know when my projects have been sent to kids?
We are working closely with our partners to inventory all the incoming boxes and track their journey as they’re sent out to different kids. Due to privacy concerns, we won’t be able to share every story, but we will do our best to share stories that are approved.
10. Who can I speak to about helping another organization?
We want to hear from you! We know there are many organizations out there that may benefit from personalized crafts. Join our Cricut Family South Africa Facebook group and post a story or local organization that you feel deserves attention tagging our admins / moderators. We cannot commit to helping every organization but will do our best to read through every submission.
11. Can I use my own content for these projects?
Yes, you can use your own content, including images you upload directly to Design Space. You can also use any licensed content you’ve purchased in Design Space to make your projects.
12. What is the deadline to submit my boxes?
We are hoping to get all of the boxes in to be counted by Aug 19, 2022.
Looking forward to seeing you in our journey helping people lead more creative and happy lives!
Together we are stronger, together we #makeitforward