Volunteer my time

Volunteers are the heart of the Santa Shoebox Project.

At the beginning of each year friends, families, colleagues and community members across South Africa and Namibia put their hands-up and offer a few hours per month to share in the SSB mantra of the ‘Joy of Giving’.

Step 1 - What do I need to be a Volunteer?

A friendly smile and a few free hours per month
To be organised and reliable
To join a team in your area
Regular access to a computer, the internet and WhatsApp
Access to reliable transport
Additional skills needed from time to time include
- Media Liaison / PR support
- Logistics Support
- Drop Off Support
- Celebration Representative
- Photographer
- Admin Assistant

Step 2 - What will I need to do?

Be a Santa Shoebox Ambassador
Build or join a team
Nominate, assess and approve beneficiary facilities
Support beneficiary processes e.g. the uploading of name lists
Manage and/or work at the *Drop Off
Organise transport of shoeboxes to beneficiaries
Celebrate – hand out the shoeboxes and celebrate with the children

The above can be shared between volunteers as the volume and effort is dependent on how many volunteers and donors are in your area.

*Drop Off is the public venue where donors deliver their specially made Santa Shoeboxes over a week late in October or early in November, depending on the area

Step 3 - When does this all happen?

February & March – create, join and build volunteer teams
April – encourage beneficiaries to apply
May – assess applicants
June – support name list process
July – confirm Drop Off venue
August – sign up Team donors
September – PLEDGING opens – spread the word
October – host your Drop Off
November – hand out the Shoeboxes
December – relax

Step 4 - What will SSB offer me?

New friends and like-minded people
A dedicated mentor to guide you every step of the way
An up-to-date website with all you need to know
An online system to protect and manage information
A share in any sponsored bounty – in the past we have received:
- Branding – banners, posters, flyers, aprons
- Starter Kits – cartons, tape, elastic bands, labels, sweets, books, pens
Above all, an overflowing heart and soul

Step 5 - Where can I Volunteer?

Have a look at the map to see where we have teams in place for this campaign. If you’d like to join – register or update your profile details here – make sure you tick “I want to Volunteer my time” at the top of the form AND under “Nearest Drop Off” either join a team, or if your town is not listed start a new one by selecting ‘Other’. We will receive an alert and be in touch.