Dear Santa Claus Anonymous Supporters,
Welcome to Santa Claus Anonymous [SCA], a very special 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to “Give a Child a Christmas”. This year, 2024, marks the 90th anniversary of our founding! It all began in 1934 when Theodore R. McKeldin, future mayor of Baltimore, organized a fundraiser so that the children of struggling families in Baltimore City could have a good Christmas. The idea caught on and, except for a brief hiatus during World War II, SCA has continued and grown ever since. Each year, we distribute close to 15,000 gift certificates and monetary donations to social services and other organizations that serve the Baltimore metropolitan area’s most financially at-risk families.
My involvement with Santa Claus Anonymous began over seven years ago when I attended my first Wine Tasting fundraiser. It was so exciting to see how many people volunteered their time and donated money to support our mission. Christmas is such a special time for so many families. Knowing we can help with some of the worry that parents or guardians have to put a present under the tree is why we do what we do. SCA only works with local agencies, shelters, after school programs, and Empower4Life to donate to their holiday efforts. This is why I am involved. We are not a large national charity, so your donation goes directly to your neighbors that need extra help.
We count on volunteer fundraising activities and our holiday mail appeal to raise money to fund the presents we provide for the children. Donating to SCA shows the true spirit of giving because the recipients and donors are anonymous-all of our partner organizations make sure of this. Through many tough times – we have persevered and stay true to our cause; to “Give a Child a Christmas.” The season’s greatest joy is to see a child’s excitement on Christmas morning. With your kindness, we can make that possible. We hope you will consider Santa Claus Anonymous when planning for your charitable giving this year.
Shannon Jensen
President