Santa Shoeboxes make disadvantaged children smile, thanks to the generosity of donors from South Africa and Namibia. This year, 74751 disadvantaged children will receive these special Shoeboxes. CEO Deb Zelezniak says while this is just shy of the target, the joy that these acts of kindness inspire in the recipients, their parents, and teachers is immeasurable.
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Santa Shoeboxes make disadvantaged children smile
The organisation’s, Zelezniak says donors of the Santa Shoebox Project have once again rallied to support underprivileged children across South Africa and Namibia. A total of 74 751 shoeboxes were donated this year which is up from 2023’s total of 74,169. The total number of children impacted over the past 19 years has now reached 1,301,508. She has attributed this increase to inflation dropping to 2.8% and two interest rate cuts over the past year. This in turn has left South Africans feeling more optimistic about their finances.
South Africans and Namibians Bring Festive Season Joy
One of the beneficiaries this year is a teenage girl from Doringkop in Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal, Ash-nay.
“You touched our hearts. We could not have even imagined something like this because we’ve never received gifts from people before. It felt like an early Christmas.”
Zelezniak says as we head into the festive season, this is a beautiful reminder of the vast impact that a small act of kindness can have.
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Gifts that keep on giving – Spreading smiles
Zelezniak says while reflecting on this achievement, that while she had hoped to reach 75,000 children in 2024, surpassing last year’s total during a time when people are still recovering financially is an outstanding achievement. She added, that beyond the numbers, it’s the impact on the children that really counts
She says, the joy spread far and wide and did not touch just the children, but also their caregivers and educators. A teacher described the experience, saying, “Today, our learners received their special gifts. It was a priceless moment. Parents are calling nonstop expressing their thankfulness. Your generosity and thoughtfulness have brought smiles to the faces of those who needed it most.”
More information about the Santa Shoebox Project
Traditional Santa Shoebox: Over the last 19 years, 1 301 508 Santa Shoeboxes, each containing eight specified items of treats and essentials, have been given to underprivileged and socially vulnerable children throughout South Africa and Namibia. From 01 September each year, Santa Shoebox donors choose their beneficiary child/ren by name, age and gender and are given the child’s clothing size.
Zelezniak says, “I am profoundly grateful to all those who continue to support our cause and the precious children we serve.”
Virtual Santa Shoebox: These shoeboxes are purchased online by donors and are available year-round, meeting the needs of donors who live too far from drop-off points, are too busy to shop or have health issues. A VSS contains the eight specified items, as well as additional items, such as a lunchbox and books, and costs R450 plus an optional delivery fee of R30.
She added, “Your generosity has touched the lives of so many, and we’re excited to make an even greater impact in the future.”
SSP Legacy: All Santa Shoebox Project operating costs are covered by corporate sponsors. SSP Legacy initiatives have thus far reached more than 125,000 children.
