Kids who have received gifts from the Dear Santa Project pose with their presents.

Dear Santa Helper

Join us in continuing the cherished tradition of spreading holiday cheer to the children of Parkside! For over 30 years, the Dear Santa Helper Project has provided toys, winter essentials, and holiday memories for hundreds of families in our community.

Adopt A Child Here

How it works

STEP 1:

‘Adopt’ a child from Parkside

STEP 2:

Order the gifts!

STEP 3:

Receive a Thank-You Letter

For Parents

Every year, we work to make sure that all kids in Parkside get gifts. The 2026 Dear Santa Helper letter is open now. Children ages 4 to 16 who live in The Villages at Parkside can take part, and so can children who attend Friends Of Parkside (FOP) youth programs but live somewhere else. Start with the orientation, then fill out the letter. Letters are due by November 1, 2026. Call 313-822-0311 if you need help.

Past Years

More Information

  • Since 1993, Friends Of Parkside (FOP) has been bringing holiday cheer to children in the Villages at Parkside, a public housing complex, through our annual Dear Santa Helper Project. Our mission is to ensure every child experiences the joy of receiving a Christmas gift.

  • Santa Helpers are kind-hearted individuals from across Michigan and the United States. They come from various backgrounds, including university faculty, hospital employees, student groups, and even scout packs. No matter where they're from or what they do, all our Santa Helpers share a common goal: to make Christmas special for a child.

    • Children aged 5 to 14 from Parkside fill out a "Dear Santa Helper" form online.

    • They share their first name, age, grade, their top three Christmas wishes, and why they chose these items.

    • Santa Helpers read these letters and choose a child to 'adopt' for Christmas.

    • They then purchase at least one of the three requested gifts.

    • Gifts can be delivered or shipped to the FOP offices.

    • Optionally, Santa Helpers can make a cash donation instead.

    • All gifts are distributed to families as they arrive, with a deadline around December 9th. Need more time? Just let us know!

    • In January, each Santa Helper receives a thank-you letter, a photo, and optionally a video from the child they helped.

  • Great news! Contributions to the Dear Santa Helper Project are tax-deductible. Friends of Parkside is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, registered with the Michigan Attorney General’s Charitable Trust Section (Registration #61299).

  • Ready to spread some holiday joy? Simply click at the top of this page to adopt a Parkside child or make a donation to the Dear Santa Helper project. You can choose a child based on gender, age, or grade. Businesses or organizations wishing to adopt five or more children, please contact FOP staff at 313.822.0311 or email santahelper@friendsofparkside.org for more information. Also, if you prefer to mail your donation, please make your  check or money payable to: The Friends Of Parkside and mail to: The Friends Of Parkside, P. O. Box 13168, Detroit, MI 48213

Can’t Choose?

Can’t pick? Donate and we’ll use the funds towards fulfilling a child in Parkside’s holiday wishes!

Donate