Santa for Scholars was founded in 2020 by Camrynn Broumas, a first-grade teacher with a heart for service and a passion for giving back. Beginning her teaching career in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Camrynn witnessed firsthand the challenges her students and their families were facing. Determined to make a difference, she rallied her family and fellow teachers to create a special holiday surprise for students in need at her school—an effort originally called Santa for Stallions.

With the help of her family, the early work took place in her parents' garage—shopping for gifts based on student wish lists, organizing donations, and spending over a week carefully wrapping each present. On delivery day, they loaded all the gifts into her cousin’s horse trailer—fondly renamed The Sleigh—to bring holiday magic directly to the school.

How it all began

Our Story

The vision of hot cocoa, cookies, photos with Santa, and personalized presents was inspired by Camrynn’s own childhood memories of joining her family each year to shop for children in need through her father’s police department. Those special days, filled with generosity and joy, left a lasting impression—and planted the seed for what would one day become Santa for Scholars.

Today, Santa for Scholars is a growing nonprofit that partners with multiple school districts across Stanislaus County. What makes our mission unique is that teachers—those who know their students best—nominate children in need and help us understand their individual wishes. Every gift is handpicked with care, ensuring each scholar feels seen, celebrated, and supported.

Teachers remain the heart of this mission. Their compassion, insight, and dedication have shaped Santa for Scholars into what it is today, and we are honored to stand beside them in serving the incredible students and families of our community. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to spread holiday joy to students and families in need.