KOUGA – The Santa Shoebox Project is set to make its return to Jeffreys Bay and St Francis Bay this year, with renewed efforts to support children in need across the Kouga region.

Jeffreys Bay-based coordinator Lisa-Marie Stoltz said she is honoured to take on the role of leading the local initiative, working alongside sub-coordinators Aeron Strydom and Chandre Burns.

“I am very lucky and honoured to have become the Jeffreys Bay-based coordinator for the Santa Shoebox operations in Jeffreys Bay and St Francis Bay,” said Stoltz.

She explained that the project, which began in 2006 in Cape Town with just 180 shoeboxes, has grown into a nationwide initiative with more than 40 drop-off operations, distributing more than 1.35 million shoeboxes to date.

In 2025 alone, the project reached over 76,500 children.

Stoltz said that the initiative plays a vital role in addressing the needs of children from under-resourced communities.

“The project is incredibly important because many children in South Africa face poverty and lack access to necessities such as toiletries, clothing, and school supplies. The Santa Shoebox Project helps restore dignity and bring joy by providing personalised gift boxes filled with essential items and treats,” said Stoltz.

She said that the project also contributes to longer-term change through its Legacy Projects, which focus on early childhood development, education, and literacy.

Explaining how the initiative works, Stoltz said donors can pledge a shoebox for a specific child.

“Donors then fill the shoebox with a combination of essential items and small gifts, a personalised box for each child that sets them up for the year ahead,” said Stoltz.

These boxes are collected at designated drop-off points, checked by volunteers, and distributed to children through approved schools and care facilities.

Stoltz emphasised that all boxes donated by the Jeffreys Bay community will be distributed to children within the local community.

She further said that her involvement in the project stems from a long-standing passion for community work.

Stoltz said that she has always been passionate about community work and giving back, which is a big reason why she chose to study psychology, particularly when it comes to working with and supporting children.

She added that after completing her Honours degree, she wanted to continue making a meaningful impact while preparing to pursue her Master’s degree soon.

“Being part of this initiative allows me to work with children and contribute to something that aligns closely with my future goals,” said Stoltz.

The reintroduction of a local drop-off point came after Stoltz initially planned to contribute a few shoeboxes herself.

However, after connecting with project representatives, it became clear that Jeffreys Bay did not have an active drop-off location despite a clear need.

Stoltz said the team then decided to take the initiative to establish a location for this year.

The main collection event for the area will take place at Fountains Mall, The Werf, on 6 and 7 November, where community members can drop off their pledged shoeboxes.

Facility applications for participation in the project closed on 23 April, with final numbers to be confirmed once applications have been assessed.

Stoltz encouraged residents to get involved by pledging a shoebox when registrations open on the website on 1 September.

She said that donors can select a child based on basic details such as name, age and gender and fill a box with essential items including toiletries, clothing, stationery, a toy, and a sweet treat.

For those unable to pledge a full shoebox, the team will also host pop-up “fill-a-box”-style donation drives, allowing individuals to contribute individual items that will be used to complete boxes for children who may not have been selected online.

“These donated items will then be used to complete boxes for children who may not have been selected on the website. As a team, we will ensure that every child is included,” said Stoltz.

Following the November drop-off, distribution and handover events will be arranged with participating facilities, with dates to be confirmed once final numbers are known.

For more information, visit the Santa Shoebox website or email Lisa-Marie Stoltz at lisa-marie@santashoebox.org.za.

ALSO READ: SA Military Youth Cadets Programme for the Cape Winelands launched