Blue Santa Virtual Toy Drive a Success
12/18/2020
Overcoming COVID-19 restrictions, Blue Santa and his elves were able to provide toys and other items to families in need throughout St. Louis and beyond. The virtual fundraiser, held through Billiken Backers, raised more than $20,000.
For his 15th year of making the holidays brighter for children across the St. Louis region, Blue Santa asked for funds in place of toys. Traditionally, the SLU community donates more than 3,000 toys during the University’s on-campus toy drive.
In place of the thousands of dolls, cars, puzzles and books Billikens usually donate, Blue Santa sought to raise $5,000 to allow partner agencies to purchase items from toys to coats to distribute to children in need. The virtual fundraiser raised more than $20,000, more than four times it’s original goal.
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The generosity of the SLU community allowed for an expansion of organizations receiving donations. Among the recipients this year:
- Families supported by LifeWise STL
- 34 children through the St. Vincent de Paul Society Adopt a Family program
- Families in the Jennings community through a partnership between SLU, Mutual Aid Network, Metropolitan Congregations United and New Northside Baptist Church
- Mission: St. Louis’ Affordable Christmas Program
- 20 families through Catholic Charities of St. Louis’ Adopt a Family program
Blue Santa’s reach was also able to extend beyond St. Louis as well. Children living in rural poverty in southeast Missouri were provided toys through Whole Kids Outreach and children in Belize at St. Martin de Porres parish and school also received gifts.
“We are so happy to partner with SLU again this year, especially during this difficult time for families in poverty in southeast Missouri,” said Jennifer Brennan, director of Whole Kids Outreach. “In the past, Whole Kids served up to 350 families and 1,100 kids with its Christmas Store, relying on donations from friends like SLU. This year, response was overwhelming. Most of our families said that without Whole Kids Christmas Store, they would be unable to provide Christmas gifts for their children.”
Brennan added that SLU helped spread a lot of much-needed Christmas joy to many children this season. “Thank you so much for making this Christmas special for Whole Kids families.”
For a complete list of updates, visit the Blue Santa Billiken Backers.