Santa Claus Incorporated was established in 1952. The first year 1,500 children were served. Today we target over 14,000 especially needy children annually. For more information, please email us or click on this link at Elves@SantaClausInc.com
Aid to the needy
Michel Nolan staff writer, San Bernardino County Sun
Posted: 11/28/2008 09:24:51 PM PST, also www.SBcountySun.com
Karen DiCarlo has looked into the faces of the working poor - parents struggling to clothe and feed their kids.
"We can look everywhere in the communities we serve and see thousands who are struggling for survival. Poverty debilitates families - the burdens can be unbearable," says Karen, president and head elf of Santa Claus Inc., a nonprofit that helps families in need during Christmastime.
This year's Santa Claus Inc. Christmas Tree Lane fundraiser - with the theme "The World Celebrates Christmas" - will be the most beautiful in the group's history, Karen says.
The Friday to Saturday extravaganza is an evening gala of dining, dancing, live auction, fashion show and tree drawing, at 6 p.m. Friday; and the luncheon, fashion show and tree drawing at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
Both events are at the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino and feature designer Christmas trees that reflect the theme.
"It will be like getting on a train to go around the world - with the Pacific Islands, Europe, Africa, Asia, and of course, America," says designer and event chairman, Derrick Vasquez.
"Sure, we're all busy, but there's such a need for these kids. That's what the season is all about," says Derrick, director of special events, catering and sales at the events center.
Each of the 16 designer trees will be unique - some fun and animated, others more subdued and earthy, he said.
Master of ceremonies for the black-tie-optional evening gala is Mayor Pat Morris; luncheon event emcee is Ron Stark, "Voice of the Inland Empire."
Following the hearty four-course dinner, author and culinary guru Martha Green, will serve as auctioneer extraordinaire.
Macy's Fashion Extravaganza, presented by Couture Productions, will showcase designs reminiscent of Paris or Milan for both the evening and luncheon events, according to Derrick.
This year's honorees are Harriett Niemeyer, a 50-year volunteer at the Santa Claus Inc. warehouse, who will be presented the Mignon Schweitzer Memorial Award; and the Matich family for its continued support of children's programs, recipient of the Dick Bryant Memorial Award.
Both events also will offer opportunities to help Fund a Child, which enables people to adopt a child at Christmas for $25. The amount provides clothing, a toy and a book.
Dancing to the music of Smooth Touch rounds out the evening.
Since 1952, Santa Claus Inc. has made the holidays a little merrier for more than 400,000 children.
This year alone, the organization will help 14,000 children, according to Karen.
"We are so proud of the clothing and toys made by our extraordinary volunteers," says Karen, a lifetime volunteer who's been helping others since her Girl Scout days.
"Most of parents of the children we help are the `working poor,' people who have jobs and pay bills but have nothing left for Santa gifts," she says, "and the numbers are increasing."
All Santa Claus Inc. needs is a few more good elves.
michel.nolan@
inlandnewspapers.com
Santa Claus Inc. putting together massive list
Posted: 11/20/2009 06:01:55 AM PST
Santa Claus Inc. is making a list and checking it twice.
Possibly the mother of all Christmas lists, there are already 9,000 names on it, according to Karen DiCarlo, president and head elf of the San Bernardino-based nonprofit organization.
"We have those 9,000 requests so far and more are pouring in from all over the country," Karen says. "We only take care of local people, but it proves how unique we are."
The organization, now in its 57th year, helps parents in need give to their children at Christmastime.
Parents "shop without charge" in the Santa Claus warehouse each December, selecting clothing, toys, books and goodies for their children - all donated or handmade by Santa Claus Inc. volunteers.
These hundreds of volunteers are the elves who make miracles happen each year.
They're the unsung heroes, the faces of generosity.
Bless their little pointed ears.
For a week each December - Dec. 8 through 15 this year - a plain distribution center in San Bernardino serves as the North Pole.
The 6,000-square-foot building is stacked to the ceiling with the donated treasures. For some families, the box of goodies they leave with is all there will be under the tree on Christmas morning.
Many of the parents are not welfare recipients but the "working poor," people who have jobs and pay bills but have nothing left for Santa gifts.
Last year they made Christmas a little merrier for more than 14,000 local children.
Karen anticipates more need than ever this year.
"We're blessed this year with donations from Mattel and others, but our biggest needs are underwear, socks and diapers. They are expensive for us and every parent wants them." Mundane but necessary.
Although elves are working feverishly, there is also still a need for gifts for older kids - younger children's things are easier to come by, according to Karen, now in her eighth year as president.
"A lot of the letters from families include their story and they are so sad," she said. "I'm really touched."
Santa Claus Inc. miracles are also made possible by fundraisers.
Christmas Tree Lane, the annual Santa Claus Inc. fundraiser, is set for Dec. 4 and 5 at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino. For tickets and information, call Ann Doty at (909) 886-2528.
To volunteer, or for more Santa Claus Inc. information, call the warehouse at (909) 885-0090 or e-mail Karen at santaclauspresident@juno.com.
michel.nolan@inlandnewspapers.com
(909) 386-3859
NOTE: as of late December 2009 more than 412,000 local children have been served. New workers are welcome year round.
/
/
