The Santee Santas Foundation is a local, nonprofit 501 (c) (3) all-volunteer organization that provides struggling families with toys, food and monetary assistance.
History:
Santee Santas was established in 1953 by Margaret Ness and Charles Skidmore, Superintendent of the Santee School District. Other key supporters were Perry Shipman, Gelene Harritt and John and Ruth Northcote.
That first year:
- Santee was mainly farm and dairy land.
- The Santee School was the only school, with about 200 students.
- The Pepper Drive area was a new development.
- Four or five families were served that first year.
- Delivery of food was made by firetruck.
The Santee School District assumed the responsibility for coordinating the program until 1985. At that time the school district decided that it should assume a smaller role in the administration of the program and encouraged the establishment of a volunteer organization. Today, Santee Santas has 100's of volunteers and a board of directors consisting of nine members.
Our current programs include:
Holiday Food & Toy Drive - Each year a food drive is organized through our local elementary and high schools to bring some holiday cheer to struggling families. With the generous support of local businesses, nonprofit organizations and volunteers like, food and toys are collected, sorted, boxed, (toys are wrapped) and delivered to Santee families in need each December. In 2009, Santee Santas served over 178 families during the holidays, including 350 children.
Senior Outreach - Seniors, who are alone or reside in our nursing homes, Stanford Court and Edgemoor Hospital, are remembered with flowers and gifts during the holidays.
Emergency Fund - This special fund is available to assist families in crisis throughout the year.
For more information about our programs, group presentations, or if you'd like to find out how you can help support the Santee Santas, please contact us: here |