Imagine the joy on a child’s face when they receive a colourful shoebox filled with hand-picked treasures from a stranger who cares.
This year, the Santa Shoebox Project is geared to channel such moments of magic from loving community members to more than 75 000 children in need.
As the organisation marks its milestone 20th anniversary, the Santa Shoebox Project is officially inviting schools and early childhood development centres across South Africa to apply to become beneficiaries of their 2026 campaign.
The project focuses specifically on pre-school, Gr.R, Gr.7 and Gr.11 learners – at pivotal educational stages when children need support to succeed in the next phase of their education.
Vulnerable communities first
Educational facilities in both urban and rural areas may apply, but priority will be given to rural facilities serving vulnerable children who have not previously received shoeboxes.
Deb Zelezniak, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Santa Shoebox Project, said the work remains urgent given that six out of 10 children live below the poverty line in South Africa.
“The G20 Global Inequality Report highlights a stark divide in educational opportunity. While a child from a wealthy family has a one-in-two chance of studying beyond secondary school, those odds drop to one-in-40 for boys in poverty – and a startling one-in-100 for girls,” Zelezniak said.
Zelezniak says their work reaches communities across South Africa.
“We’re seeing a very stark chasm of opportunity in South Africa. What is particularly concerning is that we have 8,8 million children in rural communities where ECD centres often operate in survival mode without basic infrastructure or educational materials. That’s where we step in and help.”
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The magic of giving
Since its founding in 2006, the Santa Shoebox Project has delivered more than 1,35 million personalised shoeboxes filled with sanitary items, stationery, treats and toys to underprivileged children. The organisation also uses donor funding to build and refurbish ECDs in rural areas and install reading corners in schools.
“The shoeboxes provide practical necessities many families cannot afford, ensuring children feel seen and valued,” says Zelezniak.
“We look forward to partnering with facilities that share our commitment to uplifting South Africa’s youth in 2026. We also invite members of the community in every corner of SA to join us and volunteer – it’s the most magical experience and a chance to be part of our beautiful story.”
Interested facilities must register at santashoebox.org.za and complete the online application form in full. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and no changes can be made once submitted.
Applications will open on Tuesday 7 April, and close on 23 April, with successful applicants to be notified by mid-June via SMS.
