GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Santa Shoebox Project has reached 80% of its national pledge target for 2026, bringing hope and Christmas cheer to thousands of children.

With just two weeks left to pledge, the organisers appeal to Garden Route residents, particularly in Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Sedgefield, to help reach the 100% target and bring joy to 85 000 children this festive season.

Celebrating its 20th year, the initiative relies on volunteers, schools, non-governmental organisations and corporate partners to deliver personalised gift boxes to children across South Africa. The Western Cape has reached 64% of its target, with Knysna at just 47%. While Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape has reached 100%, Oudtshoorn stands at 30% and George at 41%. This highlights the need for greater support across the region.

“We are utterly overwhelmed by the love and gees South Africans have poured into our 20th year, but we cannot leave the pitch before the final whistle,” said the Santa Shoebox Project’s CEO, Deb Zelezniak. “Right now, 20% of our children are still waiting for someone to choose them. We have two weeks to make sure no child is left behind.”

Local drop-off points

Each shoebox is packed for a specific child and distributed through schools and care facilities. Residents can pledge online throughout October and deliver completed boxes at designated local drop-off points.

In Knysna, boxes can be dropped off at Montessori School from 07:30 to 14:30 on 29 and 30 October. Contact Liezel Brazier on 084 793 1898 or [email protected].

In Sedgefield, the drop-off place is at the Lions Clubhouse, Sedgefield Common, from 15:00 to 17:00 on 30 October and from 10:00 to 14:00 on 31 October. Contact Zelda Eastwood on 082 956 9962 or [email protected].

In Plettenberg Bay, boxes can be delivered to St Thomas Methodist Church from 08:30 to 13:00 on 31 October. Contact Deanne Roberts at [email protected]. A drop-and-go facility at N2 Wilderness has closed, but pledgers can contact Amanda Schoonderwoerd on 068 222 2555 for information about drop-off arrangements in the Wilderness area.

Those unable to prepare a physical box can purchase a Virtual Santa Shoebox online for R500. Proceeds also support the project’s Legacy programme, which builds classrooms, establishes reading corners and trains early childhood development teachers. To pledge or find more information, visit santashoebox.org.za and select the ‘Pledge a Shoebox’ option from the menu.

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