OUR STORY

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OUR STORY

SFD is a certified 501 (c) (3) Public Charity and we answer letters to Santa from disadvantaged kids. Teaching youngsters the power of the pen… and then rewarding their efforts, by translating their wishes into reality, not only positively reinforces their nascent literacy skills, it also helps them author a different, more positive narrative about life, one sparked by hope and the vision of a brighter future.

On December 22, 2000, I was mailing presents at the main branch of the Chicago Post Office. There was no one else there, of course, just a table with stacks of letters to Santa from needy kids. I asked the clerk, “how many letters are there?” He responded, “10-12,000. Only about 100 have been answered”. It was a sad, but enlightening moment for me. My kids were young at the time. I knew and cherished the magic of the holidays. The USPS letter writing program is wonderful, and has been around for over 100 years. But it has languished the last few decades and I realized it was time to introduce Santa to today’s world. On the way home, I came up with the idea of Santa for a Day, an internet solution that connects people with disposable income, to retailers, and disadvantaged kids. From Day 1, U.S. Congressman Danny Davis (IL) has been a champion of SFAD and an important reason for our success. After several on-again, off-again attempts with the USPS, we decided to go another route.

In 2018 we partnered with the Chicago Housing Authority had a very successful test. Our aim was to reach into Chicago’s most troubled areas and by example show the power of goodness in the face of adversity. In 2019, we grew that model adding Milwaukee and Detroit. This year we reached strategic partnerships with the Housing Authorities of Atlanta, Boston and Philadelphia. We hope to be in 10 cities in 2021, and 20 cities by 2022.

Our success is 100% dependent on donations. We are a 501 (c) (3) Public Charity so your donations go straight to the kids.

Thanks for your consideration and generosity,

Rich Gentile
Founder, Santa for a Day

Contact us

2107 Colfax St.
Evanston, IL 60201.
Email: info@santaforaday.org

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