VOC has once again launched its annual Stationery Drive. The project in itself is one that mobilizes the goodwill of a community into donating stationery for school children and in so doing, equips young students with the tools they need for school.

This social outreach programmes also aims to assist parents who can barely afford to match the overwhelming price tags that accompany basic schooling necessities.

This is only the second consecutive year that VOC has launched this project and the support from avid listeners has been overwhelming. Stationery collections already began in early November 2014. “There are many children who come from homes where parents cannot afford the basic stationery. We appeal to parents in our community who are going out to buy their own children stationery for the new school year. We encourage them to buy some extra stationery and donate that to this worthy project,” said the project team.

The stationery list includes wax crayons, blue and black pens, erasers, glue sticks, pencil cases, A4 exercise books (both soft and hard covers), sharpeners etc.

“We know that stationery is expensive and we do not expect people do buy all of these items but if parents could buy one extra when purchasing their own children’s stationery, that would really help us with the demand in our community.”

All stationery can be dropped off at the VOC Studio: 02 Queens Park Avenue, Salt River. There will be a box available for all the stationery.

This year, the community is urged to nominate a school that they know is really in need of this donation.

“We want the community to not just donate any school but rather a school where teachers are also going the extra mile to ensure that regardless of the circumstances, pupils are offered access to the best education in a positive and inspirational environment.”

You can email your nomination to info@vocfm.co.za or drop it off at the station or by post. The last date for all nominations is the 27th January 2015.

The handover will take place on the 28th January, a week after school reopens. On the day of the handover, VOC will host a live outside broadcast and treat the school pupils to a light lunch. The project team appeal to the community who are interested along with local organisations or Masajid to spread the word or get involved in any way possible.

“We are hoping to cater to 500-800 students. If people are willing to contribute, then we can reach a lot more children.”

For more information contact VOC on 021 442 3500. VOC (Ra’eesah Isaacs)