About
Welcome to the Mat-Su Special Santa Program!
The Special Santa Program makes Christmas wishes come true for children, newborn to 18 years of age, in the Matanuska Susitna Valley, Palmer, Alaska. We provide toys, winter wear, toiletries, bedding and other much needed items to children in need.
The program began in 1997 with a few volunteers and 90 children. In 2009, we brought the magic of Christmas to over 3000 children from 970 families. The Special Santa Program is a 501 (c)(3), under the umbrella of Alaska Family Services, a non-profit that provides services for women, children and their families. We are the Toys for Tots distributor for the Mat-Su Valley. Families are referred to us through programs we coordinate with including local food banks, agencies that assist families in need, schools, churches, the foster care program and other programs offering assistance at Christmas.
This truly is a community project touching the lives of the children, volunteers, Santas and families. We are a completely volunteer program; the program director and volunteer workers receive no monetary compensation for their time and effort.
The Special Santa Program’s goal is to help children receive the magic of Christmas and know that people care. In reaching this goal the program:
- Coordinates with agencies and programs to provide for families.
- Provides the citizens in the Community an opportunity to give.
- Assists families in need at a stressful time of year.
- Spreads the joy of Christmas throughout the Mat-Su Valley.
Toys For Tots©
The Special Santa Program is the distributor of all the toys collected in the Valley for Toys for Tots. The U.S. Marine Corps attend Halloween Hollow and other fundraisers held for Toys for Toys and Special Santa.
Special Santa
Served over 3000 children, newborn to 18, in 2009 and over 15,000 children since 1997.
Asks Special Santas to fulfill wish lists of children of the Mat-Su Valley from Sutton to Talkeetna.
Needs donations of money, books, toys, coats, electronics, personal items, or gift certificates.
Teams with agencies, food banks, schools, and Toys for Tots to help families in need.
Appreciates the people of the Mat-Su Valley’s generosity in helping bring magic to children and families.
* Accepts donations throughout the year.
Coordinated by:
Mari Jo Parks & Very Special Elves