Members of the Project Santa team are busy sorting and mailing letters to donors and supporters on their mailing list.
Written by: Jamie Roth, Community Services & Public Relations Director.
“The need in western Illinois right now is astounding” says Jamie Roth, Community Services & Public Relations Director of WIRC-Community Action Agency (WIRC). “Our Project Santa program was inundated with applications from day one. Every day our inbox grew larger and larger, and it wasn’t going to stop.”
Project Santa is a community-supported holiday program of WIRC that provides gifts and clothing to children of income-eligible families, regardless of culture or holiday traditions. It empowers families to experience the joy of giving to their loved ones and to enjoy the magic of the holiday season.
Applications opened October 1, and quickly flooded in. The deadline to apply was set for October 31, allowing plenty of time for families to apply. In 13 days, WIRC had requests to assist over 700 children across Hancock, Henderson, and McDonough counties. For context, WIRC normally aims to assist 500 children annually.
On October 13, the Project Santa team had to do something they had never done before: close the application form two weeks before the deadline.
WIRC officials say this had to be done due to budget constraints and employee capacity to successfully coordinate the program. Project Santa is funded by community donations and relies on volunteers to help with shopping for and sorting gifts, due to the time needed to assist hundreds of children.
Roth says the program will assist as many families as possible, but donations and volunteers are urgently needed. On average, Project Santa budgets $125 to spend on each child, not including costs such as fuel for the delivery truck and rent for storage space.
“We hope to raise at least $50,000 this year,” said Roth. “We have received over $1,000 in donations so far this year, so we are optimistic. The people of western Illinois have shown they are compassionate and generous through their giving. The fact that Project Santa has existed for over 40 years is proof.”
Project Santa is not a materialistic-minded program. Many of the stories shared by applicants demonstrate the daily struggles that many people face behind closed doors. Project Santa team members report many people disclosed they are struggling with medical issues that prevent them from working, including being the primary caregiver of an ill child or adult in the household. Others say they are struggling after the death of a spouse or finding employment with a living wage. These families, WIRC officials say, just want to give something special to their kids that they cannot afford to do on their own, whether it is a toy, blanket, or book.
“The overwhelming response to Project Santa this year, with over 700 children applying, is a powerful reminder of both the need in our communities and the generosity that exists here,” says Stacy Nimmo, CEO of WIRC. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has donated, volunteered, or supported this program. It is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together to support our neighbors. Together, we are bringing hope and joy to those who need it most.”
To donate online or learn how you can volunteer for the Project Santa program, visit https://wirpc.org/projectsanta/, call the WIRC Macomb office at 309-837-2997, or email projectsanta@wirpc.org. Check donations can be mailed or hand-delivered to WIRC, Attn: Project Santa, 133 West Jackson Street, Macomb, IL 61455.
WIRC-Community Action Agency (WIRC) is a nonprofit that aims to help people and change lives in western Illinois. They offer social service and community development programs throughout multiple counties. To learn more, follow them on social media, visit https://wirpc.org/, or call their Macomb office at 309-837-2997. Equal opportunity provider and employer.