About
*THE 12TH ANNUAL SANTA LETTERS GIFT DELIVERY DATE FOR 2012 IS QUICKLY APPROACHING!!!
THE DATE IS…DECEMBER 22, 2012**
How Santa Letters was started?
During the holidays, the US Postal Service receives an influx of letters from children addressed to Santa Claus. These letters requesting food and other basic-need items often go unnoticed.
Eleven years ago, Todd Palombo (pictured at left with Santa and a lucky recipient) happened to be watching the news and was inspired to answer the letters from needy families addressed to Santa. Palombo with the help and support of the Costa Mesa Fire Department started Santa Letters, a not for profit organization created to give back to the community.
The Costa Mesa Fire Department and the Costa Mesa Firefighters’ Association sponsor Santa Letters. Toys and other gifts are donated to the Santa Letters Program through private donations and community businesses. In 2012, a group of pre-selected families and the Heritage House of Costa Mesa will benefit from the 12th Annual Santa Letter Program.
What items do the letters ask for?
The letters ask for basic need items, clothing and food but here at Santa Letters, we always strive to give more then what is asked for. Such as toys, gift cards to gas stations and grocery stores, bedding and beds.
Who receives the donated gifts?
We receive letters from social workers at local schools and also through families we have identified from 911 calls. We have assisted multiple families, including a women’s shelter that specializes in allowing women, during their treatment, to have their children live with them. We also work hard to help families that live in motels. For the families that live in motels; it’s generally the family’s last chance to have a roof over their head, before they become totally homeless.
When are the gifts handed out?
On a pre selected December day we deliver gifts to the needy families via fire truck and bring Santa Claus as our guest of honor. Although the adults and parents are notified of the scheduled deliveries, the children are surprised by the firemen’s arrival.
How can I help?
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