Margie Kostelac, The Santa Shoebox Project, writes:

It is hard to believe that the 2025 campaign of the Santa Shoebox Project has come to an end.

Under the theme ‘From Boxes To Bricks’, our organisation set out, for the first time, to build two schools in a single year, thus bringing the number to seven schools.

From the ground up, Siphiwe Samangwe was the first school to include a block of four eco-toilets, while at Umusa Uyasilandela, a transformative upgrade included the addition of a new classroom.

Additionally, as part of our Legacy Project, a total of 481 ECD teachers underwent training.

These projects were self-funded, using proceeds from the sale of Virtual Santa Shoeboxes.

In 2026, we will endeavour to build or rejuvenate three Early Development Centres (EDC).

What about the Shoeboxes? We exceeded last year’s quantity, collecting a total of 76 565 Santa Shoeboxes that were handed to children across the country.

This brings the total number of Shoeboxes distributed since its inception in 2006 to well over 1.3 million.

Thanks to the continuous support from companies like Caxton Local Media, the Santa Shoebox Project and all its stakeholders have loads to be proud of this year!

In celebration of our 20th birthday next year, we hope to exceed our targets and reach more children – we hope you will be part of this milestone.

For more information about how you, your family, business, or community can get involved, visit www.santashoebox.org.za or follow them on social media:

TikTok: @santa.shoebox

Facebook: /SantaShoebox

X: @SantaShoebox

Instagram: /santashoebox

YouTube: The Santa Shoebox Project

Pinterest: /santashoebox