74,751 shoeboxes filled with festive treasures were delivered to children in need this year thanks to the Santa Shoebox Project.
South Africa (05 December 2024) – Santa Shoebox Project donors have once again rallied to support underprivileged children across South Africa and Namibia, with 74,751 shoeboxes being donated this year – up from 2023’s total of 74,169, bringing the total number of children impacted over the past 19 years to 1,301,508.
Deb Zelezniak, the organisation’s CEO, attributes this increase to inflation dropping to 2.8% and two interest rate cuts over the past year, which have left South Africans feeling more optimistic about their finances.
Spreading smiles
Reflecting on this achievement, she says, “While I had hoped to reach 75,000 children in 2024, surpassing last year’s total during a time when people are still recovering financially is an outstanding achievement. But beyond the numbers, it’s the impact on the children that really counts.”
For beneficiaries like Vernolene, receiving a gift was a moment of pure joy. “This was something I never expected. I was so happy when I heard my name – it felt special, like Christmas.”
Ash-nay, another recipient, added, “You really touched our hearts. We could not have even imagined something like this because we’ve never received gifts from people before. It felt like an early Christmas.”
The joy spread far and wide, touching not just the children but also their caregivers and educators. A teacher described the experience, saying,
“Today, our learners received their special gifts. It was a priceless moment. Parents are calling nonstop expressing their thankfulness. Your generosity and thoughtfulness have brought smiles to the faces of those who needed it most.”
Gifts that keep on giving
Not only did those who pledged Virtual Santa Shoeboxes (VSS) ensure that children in remote areas received their gifts, but they are also contributing to lasting change. The proceeds from these pledges directly support the Santa Shoebox Project’s SSP Legacy initiatives, which focus on building and upgrading Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in impoverished communities across South Africa, training ECD practitioners and installing reading corners in under-resourced ECD centres.
This year’s contributions will enable the construction of the non-profit organisation’s sixth ECD centre in 2025. Zelezniak also invites partners to help the organisation raise R750,000 to build its seventh school.
She is also setting her sights on reaching 80,000 children with Santa Shoeboxes next year.
“VSS pledges remain open, allowing us to get a head start, while those who prefer the traditional shoeboxes can begin collecting items during the summer sales, ensuring they’re ready to select their beneficiaries from 1 September.”
“I am profoundly grateful to all those who continue to support our cause and the precious children we serve. Your generosity has touched the lives of so many, and we’re excited to make an even greater impact in the future,” concludes Zelezniak.
by 