We have all participated in a Secret Santa during the holiday season at some point. Whether it was at school with our class or through work with colleagues, everyone has had the opportunity to surprise an acquaintance with a gift they wouldn’t have received otherwise.
Secret Santa of Little Elm aims to capture this excitement every holiday season for families in need, giving gifts to children from up to 12 years old so they can have the special holiday they deserve.
“These families would not otherwise be able to provide gifts for their kids during the holidays,” said Jennette Espinosa, the president of the board of directors for Secret Santa of Little Elm.
“The financial burden is already so high to simply meet the basic needs of food and shelter. Not only do we have the pleasure of making sure the kids have special gifts to open, but we are also helping the parents maintain dignity so that they can give their kids some great gifts for the holidays.”
Formed in 2013, Secret Santa of Little Elm is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged children in the community. The endeavor ensures kids from all backgrounds have a memorable Christmas and that they are not in need of everyday items during the winter months.
On average, Secret Santa of Little Elm helps 250 children and their families, although that number increased to 350 kids in 2024. The organization had to close the application window early because the maximum number of recipients the nonprofit could aid was met so quickly.
“We would love to be able to raise more funds and partner with more businesses in the community to increase the number of recipients next year,” Espinosa said.
Not only did the applicant list significantly grow, but the number of essential items needed versus toys had grown, as well. Collection boxes are placed at participating businesses in the community for the public to drop off new and unused toys.
To be considered as a recipient, applicants must provide proof of residency, photo identification and income documentation to ensure the charity’s resources are going to those in need. Children are asked to make a wish list for items like toys, bicycles, skateboards, clothes and bedding.
The nonprofit’s goal is to provide all recipients with every item on their wish list, especially the essential items. However, Secret Santa of Little Elm does try to include fun toys in each recipient's gift bundle for some extra cheer during the season.
While gift cards and extremely expensive gifts, such as video game consoles, are not permitted, toys that stimulate the mind and are educational, like books, arts and crafts and reasonably priced toys, are encouraged.
“Being a part of Secret Santa of Little Elm is very fulfilling for all of our volunteers,” Espinosa said. “Seeing the smiles on the parents’ faces when they pick up their boxes and hearing them say how excited they are to watch their kids open the gifts brings us so much joy.”
While the deadline to become a recipient has passed, Secret Santa of Little Elm is always open to receiving donations for this Christmas season or for next year.
More information about donating or sponsoring a collection box can be found by emailing secretsantaoflittleelm@gmail.com.
“We would love to be able to raise more funds and partner with more businesses in the community to increase the number of recipients ..."