The Santa Shoebox Project is celebrating the incredible warmth of South Africans who continue to rally behind often-overlooked teenagers, providing them with essential support and a vote of confidence for their future.
Cape Town, South Africa (17 June 2026) – Yesterday, as the country celebrated Youth Day, the Santa Shoebox Project (SSP) praised South Africans for how they continue to show up for the country’s teenagers – a group that is often overlooked but which deserves just as much support as their little brothers and sisters.
Over the past 20 years, the SSP and all its volunteers across the country have reached more than 1.35 million children, tens of thousands of whom were Grade 11 learners. Each teen received specific items they needed ahead of their all-important matric year.
“It’s always heartwarming and inspiring to see firsthand how teenagers’ lives can be changed by a single act of kindness. Our donors have done wonderful things for our Grade 11 learners over the years,” says Santa Shoebox Project CEO Deb Zelezniak.
The organisation focuses on three key age groups – Grade Rs, Grade 7s, and Grade 11s – to give them a boost of confidence ahead of their most pivotal school years.
How South Africa has shown up for its Santa Shoebox teenagers
When Zelezniak thinks about how South Africa has shown up for SSP’s teenage beneficiaries, she says there are so many beautiful stories to tell.
“Once, a Grade 11 boy cried tears of joy when he received a shirt and tie so that he could go into his first job interview with dignity and pride. On other occasions, teenagers have received quality hygiene items, books and stationery that really boosted their confidence ahead of their matric year. A group of boys danced around their class when they received rugby balls.”
“Hair and nail accessories, cute toys and PEP Stores vouchers have also brought great joy to our teens – a class even broke out in song to say thank you.”
“Another class told us they loved their gifts so much – they were “speechless”. And one gift that has made a lasting impression on all of us was when shoebox donors from Secunda gave a Grade 11 teen a life-changing voucher for driving lessons!”
The Santa Shoebox Project was founded in 2006, and apart from providing gift boxes to more than 1.35 million children, its SSP Legacy arm has also reached over 180,000 children by establishing and upgrading early childhood development (ECD) centres across South Africa.
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Classroom Flip: SOS Africa Students Take the Lead as Teachers for a DayThe organisation also invests in teacher training and the installation of reading corners to improve cognitive, language, and social-emotional development in children. Beyond infrastructure and training, the project continues its core mission of providing tangible essentials to children in need.
Zelezniak further encourages everyone everywhere to continue showing up for South Africa’s teens in 2026 and create more beautiful stories to tell.
“For a teen, a simple gift can open new worlds of possibility. Knowing that people care about you and your future is a powerful vote of confidence. Together, we can show our teens that we believe in them.”
To sign up as a volunteer, to make a pledge or to become a brand partner for 2026, visit the Project’s website and be a part of SSP’s #BeautifulStory.
Sources: Santa Shoebox Project
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