Summer Santa helps children in need while helping teach the art of philanthropy to local students
Since its inception in 1997, Summer Santa has been enriching the lives of children in need throughout Northeast Tarrant County. These programs have a real impact, and they are making a difference all thanks to the generosity of supporters like you who care.
Since 1997, Summer Santa has sent over 4,500 North Texas children to summer camp, taken over 2,300 students shopping for back-to-school clothing, and donated nearly 40,000 toys and books to North Texas charities throughout the summertime.
Many children in need are left without dedicated caregivers during out-of-school months. Extra-curricular activities often place a burden on caregivers due to the financial cost. The result is children in need left without opportunities to learn and grow in creative ways. By providing fun, engaging, and safe activities for children in the summer months we are giving the gift of care to those most in need.
In addition to these programs, we provide volunteer opportunities to North Texas high school students allowing them to learn the gift of philanthropy and giving back at a young age. By creating hands-on opportunities, we help teens learn the importance of giving back, developing empathy, and shaping the next generation of dedicated care givers in North Texas.
Summer Camp
Summer Santa has sent over 4,500 children to as many as 50 different camps such as day camps, overnight camps, equestrian camps, and trauma relief camps. Sending children to camp serves many purposes. Kids have the opportunity to build self-confidence, learn new skills, make new friends, and most importantly, to feel like kids. They get a break from the challenges they may be facing at home (possibly not enough access to food, the loss of a family member, a new living situation away from their family, etc.) and focus on having fun. Local school counselors identify children most in need of a summer camp experience. Summer Santa partners with volunteers from National Charity League to enroll children in their preferred camps.
Back to School Shopping
Summer Santa believes all children should be able to start school on an equal footing with other children in their class. To meet this goal, Summer Santa hosts over 150 children each year for a fun shopping event at Kohl’s. At the event, each child is matched with a volunteer from partner organizations, such as the ProPlayers Foundation, Young Men’s Service League, or National Charity League. Together, the child and volunteer shop for new clothes and shoes. Then they select a new backpack filled school supplies and books. At the event, Sports Clips provides free haircuts, and a long-term Summer Santa supporter, Dr. Peter Sakovich, and his team provide free school physicals. A hot breakfast is served to the shoppers and their families. Since our inception, more than 2,300 children have participated in our back to school shopping events.
Additional Outreach
Sports scholarships:
We assists kids with funding for soccer or baseball registration fees. Over the years Summer Santa has granted about 50 baseball or soccer scholarships and provided funding for the Miracle League of Southlake. Constructive outdoor play and exercise with a team of new friends can be a life-changing experience.
Field trips:
Life’s circumstances sometimes prevent children from being able to have camp experiences. Summer Santa has filled this gap with the opportunity to experience field trips to venues that are educational and fun. For example, Summer Santa has sponsored trips for the ACH Wilson Behavior Care Unit children to have summer fun at the NRH2O water park and enjoy productions at the Artisan Center Theater.
Free physicals:
Many schools or camps require a physical to attend or participate in extra-curricular activities. Summer Santa provides free physicals through our affiliation with a licensed physician. To date, Summer Santa has provided over 650 physicals.Art of Philanthropy
Each year Summer Santa recognizes individuals, corporations, and charities with its Art of Philanthropy Award to honor those who excel at helping others.
2022 Individual Award Winner: Jan Lasater
As a Fundraiser for Summer Santa in the Fall of 2021, we chose a Movie Event over the Thanksgiving weekend. The idea was to gather families in our community to watch a fun Disney movie together, all while supporting our wonderful charity! Jan Lasater, a Colleyville resident, immediately reacted to such a fun event by children, for children...that she had to immediately participate in some way.
Jan chose to support the event by covering the substantial cost to rent the Movie Theatre, as well as to sponsor the refreshments! A wonderful time was had by all! We had 105 adults and children...raising $ 4,100.00!
2022 Corporate Award Winner: Rufe Snow Depot & Storage
Ever since Summer Santa was born, the Rufe Snow Depot of Watauga has been our strong partner. For 25 years, The Depot has provided storage space for our “artifacts” from bike rallies, mini golf and bowling tournaments, book collections and, of course, toys. Lots and lots of toys. Owners Jim and Susan Pippin and operations manager Mark Russell have always been there for us. Their storefront on Rufe Snow Drive is designed with a train motif and a lot of fun.
The back story here is The Depot is built on land where the original Pippin family home once was situated. Jim remembers that the intersection of Rufe Snow and Chapman was so quiet, a dog would take his afternoon snooze in the middle of the intersection. My how things have changed, but the commitment to the community by Jim, Susan and Mark remains deep and strong.
2022 Organization Award Winner: Colleyville Woman’s Club’s
Colleyville Woman’s Club’s heartfelt connection with Summer Santa runs deep! Since Summer Santa’s inception in 1997, numerous CWC member volunteers have supported this devoted nonprofit with personal donations of time and resources! In 2001, at the direction of its membership, CWC first awarded a $5,000 grant to Summer Santa benefiting its Camp Scholarship Program. Summer Santa’s coveted camp program offers qualifying children an experience specifically tailored to individual needs, with camps featuring science, arts, sports or even grief or horse therapy.
Long admired by CWC for utilizing an unpaid, volunteer staff, the club also recognizes the commitment of this long-running charity to ensure 95-cents of every donated dollar benefits its program services. CWC is proud this first grant initiated an amazing, member-supported, 20-year History of Giving by Colleyville Woman’s Club’s, currently a gift of $60,500! CWC salutes the efforts of Summer Santa and its excellent programs that benefit so many children throughout Northeast Tarrant County!
Through our partnership with organizations such as National Charity League (NCL) and Young Men’s Service League (YMSL), Summer Santa helps teach the importance of giving back to others in need. Each year school-age children work hundreds of volunteer hours escorting students in need as they shop for school clothes and helping register kids for summer camps and other events. Summer Santa believes it is important that the next generation be taught the special feeling one experiences when you give back to others. Additionally, these youth are learning leadership and budgeting skills, gaining self-confidence, and broadening their perspective.