Secret Santa Background

Aiken, South Carolina Presbyterian Church (USA)

If you're a child in a family with meager resources, Christmas can be a time of sadness. Think of the child who did not share in the joys of the season because there was no extra money for gifts and candies. All too often, civic groups and churches respond to the physical needs of the family .. food and clothing often provided. But the emotional needs of the children are missed. Secret Santa remembers the child through the anonymous gifts of specific toys wanted by the children.

Starting in our church in 1987, Secret Santa ® of Aiken County is a community outreach program focusing on underprivileged children. From 1987 through 2006, over 20,000 children have been served in Aiken County. How does it work? Each year, a staff of volunteers and volunteer social workers receive and review applications from families throughout our area. Based on need and low income, a list of families is compiled together with a list of up to three (3) toys ($30 each or less) that each child wants for Christmas. Then, we seek individuals, families, work, church and civic groups throughout our area to sponsor these children through the purchase, wrapping and delivery of these gifts to the church. We collect the gifts and distribute them to the families in time for Santa's visit on Christmas Eve. How better else to celebrate the birth of the Christ child than through the efforts of special giving to children.

In training and follow-up assistance, Secret Santa® is a program we have started in some 8 counties in three (3) states. Each year, thousands of children benefit as a result.