Join Us in Bringing Holiday Cheer to People Needing Support!
Experience the joy of giving with
"I Am Santa"
Enriching lives and spreading cheer to children and families in need during the holidays. Join us today!
Explore the Joy Of Giving
At I Am Santa, we deliver support to people in need during the holiday season. We spread joy, care, and financial help through community nominations of individuals or families experiencing difficult circumstances. We support local community members who may be experiencing abnormally challenging circumstances in life. We have a team of Santa's to go administer support and pass out gifts to nominated people through the I Am Santa Foundation.
Sometimes everyone needs a little help
Bringing Holiday Cheer Through Heartfelt Services
Discover an organization that administers heartfelt services designed to bring hope, joy, and holiday cheer to struggling children and families in need.
Community Christmas Initiatives
I Am Santa finds families who are struggling and, through our community nominations, we learn about the families individual needs, then we purchase gifts and anonymously deliver them to the families.
Santa's Personal Delivery
To carry the giving spirit of Santa, we deliver the gifts dressed up as Santa Clause, Mrs Clause, and Elf's. We know the names of the recipients because of our community nomination program, and we create a magical Christmas miracle for the families in need. We involve youth to help us do the gift deliveries to inspire younger generations to become community supporters of their community someday.
Personalized Gift Giving
We research and do our homework on the families we are donating to. We pick members of the community who have been nominated the most or have the highest immediate need for some extra help in life.
Holiday Family Meal Support
We have a holiday food program where we provide meals and groceries for families so they can have adequate food to put on the table.
Our Story
Our Story
Over 40 years ago, a simple act of kindness sparked a tradition that would transform countless lives. Merlin Weekes and his wife, Bonnie, decided to embody the spirit of Christmas by dressing up as Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Along with their children and grandchildren, who eagerly took on the roles of Santa’s elves, they delivered joy in the form of Christmas presents to a local family in need.
The community was so moved by this gesture that it quickly grew into an annual event. Each year, Merlin and Bonnie, as Santa and Mrs. Claus, would gather donations and carefully compile a list of families in need. Armed with details about each family’s circumstances and wishes, they would set out to bring personalized gifts to each child and individual.
What began as a modest effort after over 40 years of dedicated Santa Work, it has blossomed into a cherished tradition, touching the hearts of all involved. Merlin and Bonnie were nominated Citizens of the Year by the city of Orem, Utah on their 35th anniversary of providing Christmas for countless families.
Merlin Weekes Left this earth to return home to his Heavenly Father on December 29th, 2024, but the legacy of Merlin Weekes’s Christ like generosity and compassion lives on through the younger generations he influenced that now operate as the “I Am Santa” foundation.
Now, you too can be part of this heartwarming tradition. By donating or volunteering, you can help us bring joy, hope, the love of Christ, and the true spirit of Christmas to people in your community.
FAQs
Find answers to your questions about supporting or participating with I Am Santa.
How can I donate toys to I Am Santa?
You can donate money by visiting our website and selecting an amount you are willing to provide as support for a family.
How are the families and children chosen for Santa Visits?
Families and children are referred to us by community members, centers, hospitals, and through registrations on our website. Our aim is to reach people who may benefit most from the joy and comfort of some extra holiday support.
How much of my money goes to the recipient?
The I Am Santa Foundation uses 100% of all received money to directly support the families with gifts, money, and food. The work and services are donated with no paid officers or employees.
Where does I Am Santa operate?
Currently, we operate in Utah and Arizona, but have plans to expand nationally.
Can I volunteer for the Santa Visits or Holiday Meal Assistance programs
Yes, we always welcome volunteers. Please visit our websites volunteer section to find out how you can help during the holiday season or throughout the year.
How can I ensure that my donation is used appropriately?
I Am Santa is committed to transparency. We report annually on how donations are utilized, and details can be accessed on our website. Our major processes are also audited externally to ensure proper use of funds and donations.
