There are needy children writing letters to Santa this season, whose wishes will go unanswered – Unless you step in. Here’s how. Santa For A Day is just that: a means for people who “have” to become Santa for kids who have not. Our aim is to reach into Milwaukee’s most underserved areas and by example show the power of goodness in the face of adversity. Santa for a Day is collecting letters from underprivileged kids living in Milwaukee. We have a website on which you can make their dreams come true on Christmas morning – browse letters, gifts, or simply let Santa decide – but most important is the joy you can bring, where it otherwise might not happen. We’re a non-profit, so your generosity goes straight to the children.
OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS




OUR MISSION
Santa for a Day fulfills letters to Santa from disadvantaged kids. Teaching youngsters the power of the pen… and then rewarding their efforts, by translating their wishes into reality, helping them author a different, more positive narrative about life, one sparked by optimism and the vision of a brighter future
Learn More About SFAD and the Families We Serve



ABOUT US
Santa for a Day is a certified 501 (c) (3) Public Charity and we answer letters to Santa from disadvantaged kids. Founded in 2018, we partnered with the Chicago Housing Authority had a very successful test. In 2019, we grew that model adding Milwaukee and Detroit. We are now supported by the NFL and NBA at the local level, and just recently reached strategic partnerships with the Housing Authorities of Atlanta, Boston and Philadelphia. Strengthened by generous donations, community involvement, we are focused on growth. Our mission has never been more important and with your help, we hope to expand our reach to a total of 10 cities by 2023.
“Santa for a Day has been a godsend for Milwaukee’s at-risk youth.
The program reinforces the importance of literacy by encouraging the youngsters to learn the power of putting pen to paper. More importantly, the outpouring of love and generosity has helped alter the children’s narrative about the holiday season by imbuing it with hope and joy.
This really is an inspiring modern ‘Christmas miracle!”
– Ken Barbeau, Director of Community Programs & Services
Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee
OUR PROCESS
- Kids write a letter addressed to Santa.
- The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM) collects all letters.
- SFAD receives redacted letters with wish lists.
- SFAD matches the child’s gift request to available online items.
- Donors can read redacted letters, select gift and pay with credit card.
- Order is encrypted then transmitted to online retailer.
- Retailers ship gifts to SFAD, we wrap each gift individually and deliver to housing authorities.
- Each Child receives their gifts at a holiday party hosted by the he Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM).
GET INVOLVED
Volunteers make our work a success. We hope you will consider the many ways to give of your time: Letter writing events: assist younger children in writing their letters to Santa. Identifying gifts: Johnny wants a red fire truck, but which red fire truck is it? Gift-wrapping: Packages arrive at SFAD HQ and need to be quickly wrapped and shipped. Fundraising Events: With a return to normalcy, there will be many opportunities to support. Please check back here in September to get involved in 2021 holiday campaign.
WAYS TO GIVE
STOCKS AND MUTUAL FUNDS
Take the tax-wise approach and donate stock or mutual funds. Download Stock Donation Instructions.
IN-KIND DONATIONS
Our organization welcomes in-kind gifts including computers, supplies, and your expertise. Please email donations@santaforaday.org if you would like to contribute products or services to Santa for a Day.
PLANNED GIVING
Consider including the Santa for a Day in your planned giving and join the Santa for a Day Legacy Fund.
DONATE YOUR CAR
Buying a new car? Getting rid of an old one? You can easily donate your vehicle and you will get a minimum of $500 tax deduction AND Santa for a Day receives proceeds to support our work!
SUBSCRIBE
Sign up to receive monthly emails including updates on letter writing, virtual events, opportunities to volunteer and gift-giving! Plus, read thank you notes from the kids, stories from the field and updates on our work to provide hope where it is so desperately needed.