for being part of this mission. Together, we are spreading joy, building community, and making a lasting impact, one scholar at a time.
Thank you
Santa for Scholars is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving students and their families in Stanislaus County during the Christmas season. Our mission is to bring hope, joy, and unforgettable holiday memories to those who need them most.
We rely entirely on the generosity of our donors and the dedication of a passionate volunteer team. Each year, we partner closely with local educators to identify students in need and deliver a magical holiday experience—complete with hot cocoa, cookies, photos with Santa, and personalized gifts chosen just for each child.
At Santa for Scholars, we believe every family deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated—especially during the holidays. Together, we’re spreading joy and creating lasting impact, one scholar at a time.
Our Mission
School Partnerships
Schools partner with us to nominate students based on need.
Teachers fill out a nomination application
Nominated students fill out a wish list.
We shop for gifts and coordinate a surprise delivery event featuring cocoa, cookies, Santa photos, and personalized presents.
Interested in partnering?
Reach out to us to learn more about how your school can get involved.
How it works:
Donate
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and rely entirely on donations from individuals, families, and businesses. Every dollar goes directly toward creating magical, personalized holiday experiences for students.
Make a secure online donation
Sponsor a student or a family
Donate in-kind items (wrapping paper, toys, books, etc.)
Provide corporate or community sponsorships
Ways to donate:
Volunteer
Gift shopping based on student wish lists
Wrapping gifts and preparing packages
Assisting with setup and event coordination
Serving cocoa, cookies, or helping with Santa photos
Our mission is powered by volunteers! From shopping and wrapping to event setup and Santa’s helpers, we welcome individuals, families, and groups who want to give their time.
Volunteer opportunities include:
Partner With Us
Local businesses, service groups, and organizations can help us make a bigger impact through:
Parnter WIth us Or spread The Word
Get Involved
Event sponsorships
Fundraising collaborations
Donation drives
Employee volunteer opportunities
Spread the Word
Even if you can’t donate or volunteer right now, you can still help us grow:
Follow us on social media
Share our mission with friends and family
We’d love to collaborate with you. Contact us at to explore partnership ideas.
Together, we can create joyful, hope-filled holidays for students and families who need it most. Thank you for helping us make the season brighter, one scholar at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Santa for Scholars is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that brings holiday joy to students and families in need across Stanislaus County. We partner with local educators to surprise nominated students with a festive morning and personalized gifts during the Christmas season.
Students are nominated by their teachers or school staff members based on financial need or personal hardship. We work directly with schools to ensure we reach families who could use extra support during the holidays.
Each student fills out a wish list, and our team of volunteers shops specifically based on their interests and needs. Every gift is personalized to make the experience meaningful and joyful.
We operate 100% on donations from individuals, businesses, and community sponsors. Every dollar goes directly toward purchasing gifts and organizing holiday experiences for families.
You can donate securely through our website [insert link], or contact us directly for check or in-kind donations. All contributions are tax-deductible.
Yes! We are a volunteer-run organization and always welcome help—whether that’s shopping, wrapping gifts, setting up events, or assisting on on the event day. Visit our Volunteer page to sign up or learn more.
Teachers and school staff nominate students confidentially based on need. We rely on their insight and connection with families to identify those who would benefit most from holiday support.
We currently work with several school districts throughout Stanislaus County and continue to expand each year. If you're an educator interested in partnering, please contact us.
Yes. Santa for Scholars is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tax receipts are provided for every donation.
You can reach us at santaforscholars@gmail.com or through our contact form on our website. We’d love to hear from you!
