The Santa Shoebox Project has made progress in Potchefstroom, with local pledges increasing from 24% to 42%. However, the campaign remains below the halfway mark, and the community is being urged to help ensure that no child is left off the list before the end of October.

Following a previous appeal to the Potchefstroom community, the project has seen an encouraging increase in pledges. Despite this progress, a significant number of local children are still waiting for someone to choose them and prepare a personalised Christmas shoebox just for them.

The local coordinator recently appealed for renewed support, asking Potchefstroom residents to help get the pledging process completed before the end of October.

The message is simple: there are still children in the community who need someone to make their Christmas special.

The Santa Shoebox Project celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Since its launch in 2006, the initiative has brought joy to more than 1.5 million children across South Africa.

Each shoebox is pledged to a specific child according to their name, age, and gender. It contains eight essential items, including toiletries, educational supplies, clothing, a toy and sweets.

While the items provide practical support, the project aims to offer something more meaningful than a Christmas gift. Each box is prepared specifically for a child, helping them feel valued, remembered and cared for.

For some children, receiving clothing in their size, their own toiletries, and a toy chosen especially for them can make a lasting difference.

The campaign theme, #WhatAPledgeStarts, highlights how one pledge can become a meaningful experience for a child who might otherwise go without a Christmas gift.

Although the increase from 24% to 42% is encouraging, Potchefstroom still has work to do to reach every child on its 2026 list.

Residents who have not yet pledged are encouraged to visit the project’s website, choose a child, and commit to preparing a shoebox before the deadline.

The Potchefstroom drop-off point is at Shooting for the Stars, 14 Neethling Street, Baillie Park. The scheduled drop-off date is October 30, from 10:00 to 16:30.

For more information, contact local coordinator Bianca Fernandes on 072 693 8352 or email biancafernandes@santashoebox.org.za.

To pledge a Santa Shoebox, visit https://santashoebox.org.za/pledge-a-santa-shoebox/.

With the end-of-October deadline approaching, the appeal to Potchefstroom residents is to turn the encouraging increase in pledges into an opportunity to reach every child still waiting.

At 42%, the community has made progress, but there are still children waiting to be chosen. The goal is to ensure that no child is left behind this Christmas.