A letter from one of the recipients of the Santa Shoebox Project. Picture: Supplied
Durban — While the total was slightly shy of the ambitious target, the impact of these shoeboxes filled with gifts is immeasurable, according to Deb Zelezniak, CEO of the Santa Shoebox Project.
In their latest press release, the project revealed that this year’s initiative has expanded the project’s reach, bringing the total number of impacted children to an astonishing 1 301 508 since its inception 19 years ago.
Zelezniak attributes the positive response from donors this year to the easing of national inflation to 2.8% alongside recent interest rate cuts, lending South Africans an air of optimism. Reflecting on the achievement, she shared her hope for the future, stating,
"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."
The profound effect of receiving a gift was articulated beautifully by many beneficiaries. Vernolene, a young recipient, said,
“This was something I never expected. I was so happy when I heard my name – it felt special, like Christmas.”
Another teen girl, Ash-nay from Doringkop in Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal, expressed her heartfelt gratitude and said,
“You really touched our hearts. We could not have even imagined something like this because we have never received gifts from people before. It felt like an early Christmas.”
The joy induced by this project resonates far beyond just the children, it extends to parents and teachers who witness the happiness their students experience. Moreover, the Santa Shoebox Project focuses on creating lasting change. Donors who pledged Virtual Santa Shoeboxes (VSS) not only provided gifts but also contributed to developmental initiatives targeted at impoverished communities.
These contributions support the construction and upgrading of Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, training practitioners, and enhancing the educational environment. Thanks to the 2023 contributions, the organisation aims to build its sixth ECD centre in 2025 and is actively seeking to raise R750 000 for a seventh centre.
Looking ahead, Zelezniak has set her sights on an ambitious goal of reaching 80 000 children next year. She encourages both traditional and Virtual Santa Shoebox donors to prepare early.
“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. Your generosity has touched the lives of so many, and we are excited to make an even greater impact in the future,” said Zelezniak.
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