The Santa Shoebox Project (SSP) is officially celebrating its 20th anniversary by inviting schools and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres across South Africa to apply as beneficiaries for the 2026 campaign.
Since its inception in 2006, the project has delivered over 1.35 million personalised shoeboxes to vulnerable children. Beyond the gift boxes, the initiative uses donor funding to refurbish rural ECDs, install reading corners, and provide essential teacher training to help schools reach critical developmental goals.
Closing the inequality gap in South Africa
With six out of ten South African children living below the poverty line, the project’s mission is more urgent than ever. CEO Deb Zelezniak pointed to the G20 Global Inequality Report, which shows that while wealthy children have a 1-in-2 chance at tertiary education, those odds plummet to 1-in-100 for girls living in poverty.
“Early intervention is critical,” Zelezniak stated. “We have 8.8 million children in rural communities where ECD centres often operate in survival mode. Quality early education is the most powerful catalyst to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.”
How to apply: 2026 beneficiary process
Applications for the 2026 cycle are time-sensitive. Facilities must follow these steps to be considered:
- Application Window: Tuesday, 7 April to Thursday, 23 April.
- Step 1: Register: Visit santashoebox.org.za to create or update a profile.
- Step 2: Submit: Complete the online form at the Beneficiaries Page. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
- Step 3: Notification: Successful applicants will be notified via SMS by mid-June.
Selection criteria for schools
To improve the chances of selection, facilities must meet specific requirements:
- Accurate Documentation: Facilities must provide class rosters with names, ages, and clothing sizes to ensure each box is correctly personalised.
- Focus Grades: Priority is given to Pre-school, Grade R, Grade 7, and Grade 11 learners.
- Regional Priority: Under-resourced rural areas and first-time beneficiaries are prioritised.
- Reliable Partnership: Schools must guarantee the safe delivery of boxes to each child and should not be receiving similar support from other NGOs.
Note: As of 2026, the project is open to South African beneficiaries only, as distributions in Namibia have concluded.
Join the legacy: Volunteer opportunities
The project also invites community members to sign up as volunteers. “The shoeboxes provide practical necessities families cannot afford, ensuring children feel seen and valued,” says Zelezniak. Whether as an applicant, donor, or volunteer, participants become part of a 20-year legacy of restoring dignity.
