Santa Shoebox Project reaches 80% target with two weeks remaining
Drop-off points across South Africa prepare for November delivery celebrations as several regions struggle to meet pledging goals.
With less than two weeks remaining before pledging wraps up, the Santa Shoebox Project (SSP) has reached 80% of its target in its milestone 20th year.
South Africans have less than two weeks to choose the remaining children and push the 2026 campaign to 100%. There are 70 drop-off points around the country, alongside the option to make a financial donation.
November is drop-off and delivery month
CEO Deb Zelezniak said drop-off events will soon take place across the country, with the final locations closing on November 7. Once the boxes are checked and packed, the remainder of November is dedicated to delivering packages to children in more than 1 000 schools and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres.
These handover events are called ‘celebrations’ for a reason: They bring unbridled joy, happiness, dignity, and fun into young lives, creating memories that children treasure long after the final sweet has disappeared.
“We are utterly overwhelmed by the love and ‘gees’ South Africans have poured into our 20th year, but we can’t leave the pitch before the final whistle,” said Zelezniak.
“A pledge is a personal promise made to a specific child. For a child who has learned not to ask for much, the moment they see their own name on a box, pull out brand-new clothes in their exact size, and unpack school supplies, their very own soap and toothbrush, and a toy picked just for them, their entire world feels generous. Right now, 20% of our children are still waiting for someone to choose them. We have three weeks to make sure no child is left behind.”
Provincial leaderboard shows regional disparities
The latest drop-off statistics reveal significant provincial differences, alongside several regions that urgently need local community champions:
Leading the charge, the Northern Cape is sitting at 96% pledged (with Kimberley at 96%), while Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape has reached 100%. Other top-performing towns include Riversdale (99%), Ladybrand (98%), Stellenbosch (98%), East Rand-Isando (98%), and Ladysmith (96%). The Free State stands at 90% (Bloemfontein at 91%), and the Eastern Cape sits at 89%.
While the big metros are buzzing, several rural areas and regional hubs are lagging:
• North West is currently at the bottom of the log at just 46% pledged overall, with Potchefstroom (43%) and Rustenburg (49%) still needing sponsors for more than half their registered children.
• Western Cape presents a contrasting picture: despite Stellenbosch (98%) and Cape Town (82%), the provincial average is 64%, due to Oudtshoorn sitting at 30%, Vredenburg at 37%, Moorreesburg at 40%, George at 41%, and Knysna at 47%.
• KZN stands at 72% overall, but Richards Bay (48%) and the Bluff (56%) remain in urgent need of pledges.
• Mpumalanga (75% overall) needs a dedicated push in Emalahleni (54%).
• Gauteng (77% overall) still has ground to cover, notably in Krugersdorp (68%) and the Johannesburg Flagship in Gallo Manor (70%).
How to pledge
Getting involved is straightforward:
1. Pledge a traditional Shoebox: Visit santashoebox.org.za, select a convenient drop-off point, and choose a child by name, age, and gender. Pack eight mandatory items – toothpaste, a toothbrush, soap, a washcloth, an outfit of new clothing, educational supplies, sweets, and a toy – wrap the box and lid separately, attach the unique QR-code label, and deliver it on the dates specified in your confirmation email. Each town and drop-off point has its own coordinator and schedule, so please find your local information on the website.
2. Pledge a Virtual Santa Shoebox: For R500, donors can purchase a Virtual Shoebox online. Packed by the Santa Shoebox team, these boxes include all essential items, plus additional items such as Book Dash books, and are delivered directly to children attending remote rural facilities. Surplus funds from virtual boxes power the SSP Legacy programme, which builds brick-and-mortar classrooms, installs reading corners, and trains ECD teachers. The project aims to build its ninth rural school in 2027.
“Let’s make our 20th year our most memorable one yet,” said Zelezniak.
To pledge, visit https://santashoebox.org.za/pledge-a-santa-shoebox/.
