Can you believe that the festive season is a mere four months away? As the countdown to the holidays begins, so does the start of the Santa Shoebox Project’s annual mission to spread joy to underprivileged children across Namibia and South Africa. On 1 September 2024, pledges open for Santa’s helpers (i.e. the South African public) to put together gifts for little ones who may otherwise not receive any.
Every year, the nonprofit organisation collects and distributes personalised shoeboxes containing specific items chosen with the impoverished child in mind, addressing hygiene and education as well as providing end-of-year treats. To date, 1,226,576 shoeboxes have reached children-in-need.
Deb Zelezniak, the Santa Shoebox Project’s CEO, says, “While we celebrate this achievement, we recognise that many South Africans are faced with economic challenges – none more so than those living in impoverished communities. The support of kind-hearted donors countrywide ensures that even a small act of generosity can make a big difference to a child’s life.”
To pledge, register on the Santa Shoebox Project website and follow the instructions. Once you’ve chosen your beneficiary child/ren, you can start decorating and packing your shoeboxes. Please ensure that each shoebox contains a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, a washcloth, school supplies, a toy, sweets and an outfit of clothing – all new, unused and age-appropriate.
Those short on time have the option of the Virtual Santa Shoebox. With just a few clicks, your shoebox will be filled with all eight required items, along with extras like school socks and books. Gift-givers who can’t afford a full shoebox costing R450.00 can still contribute by making a monetary donation. “Let’s work together to ensure every child receives the gift of kindness these holidays,” concludes Zelezniak
