Our Story
On December 7, 1989, I read a newspaper article about the "Dear Santa" letters that the post office receives each year during the holidays. I was struck by the words and thoughts of the children in their letters. I had never taken time to consider that so many children don't have the opportunity to enjoy Christmas, as I remember it. I wondered what I could do to help some of these children.
With the help and support of a few family members and friends, we raised $1,000 in 5 days and helped 8 families with 25 children that year. We purchased toys and games for each child, as well as some new clothing and included food baskets for their families.
Since then, we have expanded our Delaware Valley Region to South Jersey (1995) and created a new chapter in Bowling Green, Ohio (2008). Across both regions, we have raised over three quarters of a million dollars and helped over 6,000 children in over 2,000 families.
Founder,
James Szalejko
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Send a Letter
Delaware Valley Region
Bowling Green Region
P.O. Box 471
West Chester, PA 19381
(610) 630-3929
P.O. Box 513
Bowling Green, OH 43402
(419) 419-4940
"Request Letter" Guidelines
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Give brief outline of the family’s current situation
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Parent’s/Guardian's Name(s), Full Address, Phone Number, ,alternate phone number (optional), alternate contact person (optional), E-mail (optional)
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Provide Names, Ages, and Gender of all the Children and grade in school
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Provide Sizes for Shirts, Pants, Shoes
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Tell us what children like (e.g. Sports, Dolls, Board Games, Legos, Action Figures etc.)
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Add any other information you feel will be helpful for your child(ren). Please let us know of any Special Needs circumstance
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Please share with us how you heard about the Dear Santa Society
If you or someone you know is in need of our assistance, please send us a letter via US mail or email (optional).
All submissions must be received by 11/13/2024.
Donations can also be made through PayPal or the United Way
United Way Donor Choice Number: 08890
Events
The Third Annual Yards Brewing Co. Fundraiser
Tuesday-November 26, 2024
6pm-close
500 Spring Garden St
Philadelphia, PA 19123
Pursuant to an IRS determination, The Dear Santa Society is a tax-exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code 501(c) (3) and all contributions and donations are tax deductible.
© 2018 by Matthew Matkowski