Santa Shoebox Project: Make a Donation to a Child in Need

The Santa Shoebox Project is a non-profit organisation that facilitates the donation and distribution of gifts – packaged in individual shoeboxes – to underprivileged children across South Africa and Namibia at Christmas time every year.

Founded 17 years ago, it has grown substantially: in 2006, 180 Shoeboxes were distributed; now up to 80 000 are distributed every year, bringing the total number of Santa Shoeboxes donated up to 1 152 587 in total. It’s not about numbers, though, but rather the young lives who are touched by the simple act of donating a shoebox that has been packaged with love and filled with some essential goodies.

The organisation operates across South Africa and Namibia, but Cape Town remains an important base, as this is where it all began in 2006.

How it works

Donors (that’s you and me) are invited to pledge a shoebox to a child. You need to create an online supporter’s profile to do so. As an individual donor, you’re allowed to make 20 pledges. Pledging starts on 1 September each year, and continue until the beginning of November in the lead-up to the drop-offs. If you want to pledge more, you can make a Team Pledge or you can volunteer your time.
Pledge a Shoebox

Inside the shoebox

To ensure every child receives items of a similar nature, there’s an essential list of eight items. You can add extras, provided they fit the criteria in terms of size and description. But the following must be packed inside each shoebox:

• toothpaste
• toothbrush
• bar of soap
• wash cloth
• an outfit of clothing
• educational supplies
• sweets
• a toy

Please read the requirements and conditions for shoebox contents and packing instructions carefully to ensure each child’s health, happiness and safety, and avoid boxes bigger than the medium size of 20x34x11cm. All items are to be new, unused and age-appropriate.

You will know the child’s first name, clothing size, age and gender, so that you can personalise the shoebox for the child. You are encouraged to decorate the box with wrapping paper, stickers, paintings and drawings.

Virtual shoeboxes

Virtual Santa Shoeboxes are made by teams of volunteers and allocated to underprivileged children living in remote areas where there’s a lack of nearby donors. It’s also a good alternative for donors who don’t have the time to shop and package items themselves. Purchase your Virtual Santa Shoebox for R450 and the Santa Shoebox Team will pack and deliver it for you.
Donate a Virtual Shoebox

Make a difference in someone’s life by pledging or donating today!

Pledge a Santa Shoebox Until the end of November 2023 *depends on each locations drop-off
Contact 076 491 2407 on WhatsApp, info@santashoebox.org.za

Discover all of the Cape’s hidden gems – subscribe to our weekly newsletter.