Santa Shoebox Project targets 80 000 children with festive gifts

One box, one child, two decades of making a difference. This is what is at the heart of the Santa Shoebox Project (SSP).

Since its inception in 2006, SSP has packed, collected and distributed more than 1.3 million gifts to children across South Africa, sprinkling festive magic where hope is often in short supply.

This year, the organisation aims to collect 80 000 boxes; 45% have already been secured since pledging opened on September 1.

ALSO READ: Clean hands save lives, says Santa Shoebox Project on World Hygiene Day

Bubbling with excitement, Farrarmere’s ‘Wizard of Buzz,’ as her SSP job title indicates, Margie Kostelac, recalls how a shoebox delivery 19 years ago changed the trajectory of her life, putting her in the privileged position to share smiles.

“A friend emailed me the details about this project, asking willing members of the community to pack festive shoeboxes for children in need,” said the national sponsorship and regional coordinator for Gauteng, North West, Free State and Limpopo.

“At the time, my mother had knitted 99 beanies. Upon delivery of our two humble boxes, my mom offered the beanies as an additional contribution and that is how my SSP journey began.”

With pledging for this year’s campaign already in full swing, Margie’s phone is constantly abuzz, causing her smile to broaden with the realisation that for every box pledged, another child’s life will forever be impacted by the kindness of a stranger.

“Contributing to SSP is easy and affordable, yet the impact it has on the recipients is beyond measure,” she said.

“We have streamlined the process, with all the items required to fill a box being available at PEP and other leading retail outlets.

ALSO READ: Pledge your support for Santa Shoebox Project

“We realise that the cost of living has skyrocketed and therefore do not expect every member of a household to donate. One lovingly packed box from one family means one child, who may have never experienced the joy of the festive season, will feel seen, recognised and valued,” she said.

“Small acts of kindness have the potential to inspire their steps into the future.”

Margie further explained that recipients in the SSP database go through a rigorous vetting process.
Once verified and in line with the POPIA Act, the children’s first names, age and gender is made available to pledgers.

“Here you have an opportunity to create a box with a specific child in mind, purchasing goodies which you think will bring them joy,” said Margie.

“You are also encouraged to write a note to the child. People do not realise how much a handwritten note filled with words of encouragement and care can impact a little life.

“It is more than just a gift; it is acknowledgement that they are valued.”

ALSO READ: Become a Santa Shoebox volunteer

Thanks to the assistance from Mug & Bean @ The Square Farrarmere, Benoni pledgers can now deliver their boxes to the outlet for collection by SSP.

“We are ecstatic to have them on board and believe that having them as a drop-off point will assist greatly in collecting local donations,” said Margie.

“Commitments such as these are what contribute to our organisation’s ongoing success.”

There is still time to pledge your support. For more information about how you can get involved, go to www.santashoebox.org.za
Or follow SSP on any of these platforms:
• www.facebook.com/SantaShoebox/
• www.linkedin.com/company/santa-shoebox-project/
• www.instagram.com/santashoebox/
• www.tiktok.com/@santa.shoebox