Bringing the magic of Christmas to children who need it most.
Every kid celebrating Christmas dreams of waking to presents under a tree, but that's not reality for 11 million children nationwide who live under the poverty line. These children don't get to experience the thrill of unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning — not because they don't deserve it, but because their families are fighting simply to survive.
Santa For A Day was founded in 2018 with a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves to feel seen, celebrated, and loved — especially at Christmas. We collect children's letters to Santa, match them with caring donors, and make sure those wishes are delivered right to their doors. Since our founding, we've reached over 70,000 children across the country and delivered more than 95,000 gifts and necessities to families living in poverty.
We don't just deliver toys. We deliver hope, joy, and the message that someone cares. 100% of the families we serve live at 150% below the federal poverty level. With your help, we can reach even more children this holiday season.
Santa For A Day exists to ensure that every child's holiday wish has a chance to come true. We partner with local organizations, community leaders, and passionate volunteers to identify children in need, collect their letters to Santa, purchase the items on their lists, and deliver them directly to families. We operate across multiple cities — from Atlanta to Boston, Chicago to Detroit — growing every single year because the need is real and the community response has been extraordinary.
Our mission is simple: no child should go without on Christmas morning because of where they were born or how much their family earns. Together, we can change that story.
Boston, MA
Chicago, IL
Detroit, MI
Santa For A Day is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Evanston, Illinois. Founded in 2018, we began with a single community event and have grown into a nationally recognized holiday giving program operating in cities across the United States.
We believe that at this critical time in a child's development, hope for a meaningful future is essential. Together, we can author a story of hope, resilience, and possibility — providing much-needed joy during the holiday season. Our lean operational model means more of every dollar donated goes directly to children and families.
Donations to Santa For A Day are fully tax-deductible. We are proud to maintain full financial transparency and accountability. 100% of the families we serve live at 150% below the federal poverty level.
Evanston, IL
Kansas City, MO
Milwaukee, WI
Santa For A Day is one of those special organizations that reminds us of why giving back matters. The Packers are proud to be part of this mission, and watching the joy on these children's faces is something our entire organization cherishes deeply.
Mark Murphy
President & CEO, Green Bay Packers
Santa For A Day has become an essential part of our holiday season in Atlanta. Their dedication to serving families in need directly aligns with our mission to build stronger communities. The impact they make on children and families is immeasurable.
Eugene Jones Jr.
President & CEO, Atlanta Housing
At the Hawks, we believe in using our platform to make a difference in the communities we serve. Santa For A Day does exactly that — they bring real, tangible joy to children who need it most, and we are honored to support their incredible work.
Steve Koonin
CEO, Atlanta Hawks
Santa For A Day represents the very best of what community organizations can accomplish. They don't just talk about helping children in need — they roll up their sleeves and get it done. The families in my district are deeply grateful for their commitment.
Congressman Danny K. Davis
U.S. Representative, Illinois 7th Congressional District
Every child deserves to experience the magic of the holidays. Santa For A Day makes that possible for thousands of Michigan families, and their model of direct community support is exactly the kind of grassroots work we should all champion and invest in.
Jocelyn Benson
Secretary of State, State of Michigan
Our step-by-step approach ensures that every dollar donated goes directly to a child's holiday wish. We are transparent, efficient, and deeply committed to the families we serve.
Children write letters to Santa sharing their holiday wishes. We collect these heartfelt letters and match them with caring donors who are ready to make dreams come true.
Donors purchase the items on each child's wish list, wrap them with love, and prepare them for delivery. Our volunteers coordinate everything to make it seamless.
On delivery day, our Santa volunteers bring gifts directly to families — creating unforgettable holiday memories and reminding each child that they are seen, valued, and loved.
Special Event
Each summer, Santa For A Day partners with Friko, the beloved Chicago band, WXRT, and Evanston SPACE for our annual Christmas in July fundraiser — a night of music, community, and holiday spirit in the middle of summer. It’s one of our favorite traditions and one of the most joyful nights of the year.
Music Ambassador
Niko Kapetan, Friko’s frontman, serves as our official Music Ambassador and is one of our most passionate advocates. His commitment to the Santa For A Day mission goes far beyond the stage — Niko actively participates in our holiday events, helps recruit volunteers, and uses his platform to spread awareness about childhood poverty.
“Music has the power to remind us that we’re all in this together. Christmas in July is our way of keeping that holiday spirit alive all year long — and making sure it reaches the kids who need it most.” — Niko Kapetan, Friko
Volunteer
Santa For A Day runs on the energy of our incredible volunteers. There are many ways to get involved — whether you can give a few hours or a full season.
Ready to make a difference? Reach out to our volunteer team at
info@santaforaday.org
Your donation goes directly to a child's holiday wish. Every dollar makes a difference. Join thousands of donors who are changing lives this holiday season.
Donate Now — Let Santa Decide