SEDIBENG.– This year marks a massive milestone for one of South Africa’s most loved children’s organisations.

The Santa Shoebox Project is turning 20, and they are looking for local heroes to help make 2026 the biggest year of giving yet.

The project is calling for volunteers to join their friendly teams across the country. Whether you are in the Vaal or East Rand in Gauteng, the Free State, Western Cape, or KwaZulu-Natal, there is a spot for you on Santa’s team.

Every year, warm-hearted people from all over South Africa volunteer as Santa’s helpers and offer a few hours of their time to ensure that more than 75 000 children experience the magic, joy, and dignity that a Santa Shoebox provides.

“The work is a lot of fun and very fulfilling. Our long-time volunteers have many beautiful stories to tell,” said Margie Kostelac, Sponsorship and Regional Manager for the Santa Shoebox Project in Gauteng.

Once the www.santashoebox.org.za website opens for pledges (for corporates on August 1 and individuals on September 1), the magic begins.

Each region collects the packed, decorated, and labelled boxes on specific dates. They also quality-check each box, and liaise with schools, Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, and other registered beneficiaries in their communities to arrange the joy-filled handovers of personalised boxes to every child on Santa’s list.

It’s not just about the boxes. The Santa Shoebox Project also uses donations to build and upgrade early childhood centres, train teachers, and set up reading corners for schools in need.

As CEO Deb Zelezniak puts it, a small act of kindness can last a lifetime. Many children treasure the letters and gifts they receive well into their adult years.

Go to https://santashoebox.org.za to sign up as a volunteer for 2026 and share the call with your friends on social media:

• https://www.facebook.com/SantaShoebox/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/santa-shoebox-project/
• https://www.instagram.com/santashoebox/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@santa.shoebox