Empty milk bottles may not seem like much, but for the Charity Begins With Me team, they are the ideal packaging to distribute dry foods like maize meal and rice, ensuring families in need can take something home to prepare a warm meal for their loved ones.
Johannesburg, South Africa (29 October 2025) – What’s in an empty milk bottle? Well, not much to most of us, to be honest. But to those looking to make a difference and help feed families in need, an empty 2-litre milk bottle offers the perfect packaging to pour uncooked food like maize meal, rice or oats – everyday staples for countless South Africans.
Charity Begins With Me (CBWM) founder, Stephan, is on the hunt for these very bottles throughout Johannesburg, in his continued efforts to support disadvantaged children and families living in informal settlements.
But this milk bottle collection has the potential to touch so many more lives through a collective effort. Stephan has used his online platform to appeal for more support.
“Please help us collect empty milk bottles. We will wash them and fill them with maize, sugar, oats, rice, or samp. Because no one should ever have to be hungry,” he says.
He’s also extended his appeal for donations of the dry foods to fill the empty bottles.
With the festive season slowly sneaking up on us, Stephan also wants to give children a gift that matters. He’s reaching out to the public to support his drive for covered school books.
“For many children living in informal settlements, something as simple as exercise books can be a challenge.
“For Christmas this year, I want to distribute as many beautifully covered schoolbooks as possible. Please consider buying a few next time you go shopping,” he says.
If you’re in a position to give some milk bottles, buy an extra bag of rice or a few exercise books to set a young learner up for success – deliveries and drop-offs can be made in Fairland, Johannesburg. Contact Stephan on the contact details here.
Sources: Charity Begins With Me
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 