About Project Santa
The mission of Project Santa is to provide gifts and clothing to children of eligible households in Hancock, Henderson, and McDonough counties in western Illinois. Former WIRC & CAA Executive Director Suzan Nash and former Clothing Center Manager Teresa Cadle created the program in 1983.
Project Santa aims to give children a sense of security and grow their giving spirit. While Santa is in the name, it is not a Christmas program; people of all beliefs are welcome to participate in the joy of giving gifts to their children.
“We helped a little girl who was more excited about getting a new winter coat than her toys,” said Roth. “That little girl was not an isolated case; other children have been excited about having their own blankets and shoes. The children we help, and their adults, are often worrying about things that many of us take for granted.”
Jamie Roth, Community Services & Public Relations Director
Who is eligible?
To qualify, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- You have children ages 18 or younger.
- You live in Hancock, Henderson, or McDonough counties in Illinois.
- Your household’s total monthly income is within the program’s limits (see chart).
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (Gross) |
| 2 people | $3,407 per month |
| 3 people | $4,303 per month |
| 4 people | $5,200 per month |
| 5 people | $6,097 per month |
| 6 people | $6,993 per month |
| 7 people | $7,890 per month |
| 8 people | $8,787 per month |
| 9 people | $9,684 per month |
How is Project Santa funded?
Project Santa is entirely funded by donations from the public. People like you bring joy to hundreds of families every year.
Volunteer
There are several ways you can help:
Be a Sponsor
These special elves shop for an anonymous child on their own time using their own funds. Sponsors must spend at least $100 on each child, including toys and clothing.
Be a Shopper or Sorter
We need volunteers to shop for and sort the thousands of gifts we plan to purchase this year. This can be a great opportunity for businesses, families, clubs and caring individuals.
Shopping volunteers donate their time by shopping for gifts on the wish lists of children with the Project Santa Team in Macomb. Shoppers are critical with helping us find gifts for children who have not been sponsored.
Sorting volunteers are people who enjoying organizing and are detail oriented. They help us with making sure each gift that is purchased is going to the correct child. Sorting opportunities start in mid-November and end in early December.
Donate
Be a Donor – Donate Online
Your monetary donation will be used to help purchase gifts for the children and to support the program. You can make a cash donation or donate on our website. Donors, like you, keep this special program going! On average, we spend $125 on toys, gifts and clothing for each child enrolled.
Our online donation portal is being updated. Please come back again later.
Be A Donor – Donate by Check
To make a cash donation, please write “Project Santa” on the memo line and mail your contribution to:
WIRC
Attn: Project Santa
133 West Jackson Street
Macomb, IL 61455
Donations are accepted year-round.