Help 80 000 South African Children Start School With Dignity

For many South African children, the start of the school year is not a time of excitement, but a painful reminder of what they lack.

With more than half of the country’s 20.9 million children living in poverty, simple essentials like stationery, soap, or school shoes are often out of reach – undermining both dignity and learning potential.

This is where the Santa Shoebox Project steps in. For 19 years, this nationwide initiative has provided personalised shoeboxes filled with school supplies, toiletries, clothing items and small gifts to children-in-need across South Africa and Namibia. To date, more than 1.3 million children have benefited.

In 2025, the organisation is setting its sights high again: helping 80 000 children start school equipped and confident.

Why It Matters

“Small acts of generosity can make a tangible difference,” says Deb Zelezniak, CEO of the Santa Shoebox Project. “When a child receives a shoebox, it’s not just about the items inside. It’s about dignity, confidence, and hope for a better future.”

The impact is felt far beyond Christmas. At the Sakhisizwe Community Development Centre and Creche, which supports children with disabilities and families with no income, the annual shoeboxes have been life-changing.

“Since 2019, the distributions have been a lifeline,” says Busie Thuli, the Centre’s founder. “They bring happiness and dignity to our most vulnerable children, filling a critical gap where resources are scarce.”

How You Can Help

From 1 September, South Africans are invited to pledge a shoebox and pack it with love. If time is short, supporters can donate a personalised Virtual Santa Shoebox online – ensuring every child still receives a meaningful gift.

Each box contains essentials such as:

• Stationery for learning
• Toiletries for hygiene and dignity
• Clothing and school shoes
• A toy or treat to bring joy

A Call to Action

“Together, we can uplift and empower children-in-need and ensure they start the 2026 school year ready to learn and thrive,” Zelezniak adds.

To pledge or donate, visit santashoebox.org.za.

A small act of kindness on your part could mean the world to a child.