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Substitute Santa 2023
Help us put the ‘Happy’ in ‘Happy Holidays’ for local children and teens
Sadly, many children and families express added stress during the holiday season. Child Saving Institute’s (CSI) Substitute Santa program is here to help bring additional support and joy to those who need it most.
Whether through its Mental Health Services, Prevention Services, Early Childhood Education program or Child Welfare Services, CSI is here to provide support, guidance and love to children and their families all year long. We cannot do this without your generous support!
Save the date for our annual Substitute Santa Drive taking place December 6-8, 2023. Together, we can ensure that all children and families have a happy, memorable holiday season once again.
Thank you to our event chairs, Kristi Andersen and Julia Russell!
Ana & Miguel’s Story
The harsh reality of the holidays for many local families means financial stress and concern about how they are going to provide gifts for their children. Amid life’s challenges, this added stress can feel even heavier—sometimes impossible.
Five-year-old Luis was struggling in school. He knew his mom was going through a tough time, but he wasn’t sure what that meant for him. So, Mom and Dad stepped in.
As a 23-year-old parent, Ana wasn’t sure where to turn. What are my resources? Who can help me? My family? Shortly after, Ana was connected with CSI. Luis was quickly enrolled in the School & Family Enrichment (SAFE) program, where he began making strides of improvement in his mental health. To her surprise, Ana was also enrolled in CSI’s Teen & Young Parent Program (TYPP) where she qualified for additional rent support, transportation resources and parenting services.
As the holidays approached, Ana found out she was pregnant. Although she was excited about welcoming her new child to the world, she knew this was going to make money even tighter. “I was so worried about gifts. I was able to get gifts for Luis and even begin preparing for my baby. Luis loves his Paw Patrol game!” said Ana.
Because of Substitute Santa, Luis, Ana and Miguel were able to open gifts on Christmas morning. New baby brother, Isaac, now four months old, even had gifts under the tree last Christmas. To Ana and her family, CSI is grateful to have been your family’s Substitute Santa.
How It Works
Shop from the Wish List below or visit our Amazon Wish List for more ideas at bit.ly/SubSantaWishlist
Drop off gifts (unwrapped, with tags intact), cash and gift cards (Amazon I Target I Walmart) to CSI between December 6-8 from 9am-4pm (For health and safety, we ask that all donations be NEW and UNUSED)
Complete and return a gift donation form with your donation
Or, make a monetary gift using the form below
Lastly, feel joy knowing you have given children happiness and laughter this holiday season
Wish List
Infants and Toddlers
Diapers (all sizes), diaper bags, and wipes
Baby wash/lotion, bibs, crib sheets, Pack ‘n Plays, and bassinets
Learning, push, and ride-on toys, wooden blocks, and toy cars/trucks
Board books
Children and Teens
Barbies, blocks, play food, dress-up clothing, baby dolls, board games, and puzzles
Hoodies, sweatpants, leggings, and duffle bags
Make-up kits, perfume/cologne sets, curling/flat irons, and bath and body sets
Earbuds and cordless Bluetooth speakers
Miscellaneous
Arts and craft supplies for all ages
Coats (all sizes)
Journals
Batteries
Gift cards (Amazon, Target, and Walmart)
Questions & Contact
For more information about CSI’s Substitute Santa Drive, please contact Cali Page at cpage@childsaving.org.
To share with your friends and family, download our flyer and help spread the word!
Event Sponsors
