Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Giving Tuesday was born and incubated at the 92nd Street Y and its Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact in New York City. Giving Tuesday is now an independent nonprofit and a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity
This movement has inspired countless businesses to factor giving back as a major part of their brand. Here at Modern Mama, we would love to highlight this generosity by shining the spotlight on these exceptional companies. On the first Tuesday of every month, we will post a “Giving Tuesday” blog featuring a Canadian company that has made it their mission to give back. If you are a company that would like to be featured, or would like to nominate one, please contact me at Lesley@modernmama.com
For our final edition of 2022, we are highlighting none other than Santa’s Anonymous! Every year, Santa’s Anonymous delivers toys to kids in need, kids that might otherwise have nothing under the tree. With a simple wish to see every child receive a new toy at Christmas, they have been delivering the spirit of Christmas for over 60 years.
Their Story
The mission of 630 CHED Santas Anonymous is simple: to see every child receive a new toy at Christmas. Since Jerry Forbes founded the charity in 1955, that mission has stayed the same.
Relying on thousands of volunteers and donors, 630 CHED Santas Anonymous now collects, sorts, packages, and delivers toys to over 20,000 children every year.
“Wouldn’t it be great if there would be no needy kids and every kid had a present? Not a used present — with wheels stuck on and repainted — but a brand new present. From that modest start we said, ‘Well, let’s do it.’ So we went ahead and for the first few years we ran it up on the second floor here just with my staff and from there it just grew and grew.”
How to Get Involved
1.) DONATE TOYS
Be somebody’s Santa and drop off a new, unwrapped toy – donation locations are available year-round.
2.) DONATE MONEY
Monetary donations allow them to purchase toys and books that are needed when Santa’s Depot is running low.
3.) VOLUNTEER
It takes over 12,000 volunteer hours to Deliver the Spirit of Christmas in Edmonton. Find out how you can help!
Need Assistance or Know Someone who Does?
There is a one-stop application process for three Christmas services:
- Toys for children from infant to age 12 from 630 CHED Santas Anonymous
- Food hamper or gift card from the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton
- Gift cards for teens ages 13 to 17 from Adopt-A-Teen
Applications are open from October 11, 2022 – December 5, 2022
Click HERE for the online form
Donation Locations
Main Donation Locations have large donation boxes provided for 630 CHED Santas Anonymous by Instabox. Community Donation Locations are provided by local groups and businesses – dates for dropping off may vary, please check below for the most convenient location for your donation
Click HERE to find a location nearest you!
Not Sure What to Donate?
Want to know what’s on Santa’s Wishlist? Find some helpful suggestions below!
They are often short of items for infants to 2-year-olds and for 9 to 12-year-olds.
Toys with lots of play value make the very best gifts! If a toy can be played with alone or with another child, can be played with many of different ways and doesn’t need batteries or electronics – it has lots of play value!
Click HERE for Ideas in different Age Groups