"CHRISTMAS IS NOT JUST A DAY, AN EVENT TO BE OBSERVED AND SPEEDILY FORGOTTEN. IT IS A SPIRIT WHICH SHOULD PERMEATE EVERY PART OF OUR LIVES" ~ WILLIAM PARKS
SANTA'S CAUSE
Board Members:
Robin Donarumo, Founder, 2005
Virginia Deering, Board Member since 2005
Carol Lacroix, Board Member since 2005
Michelle Welch, Board Member since 2005
Kailee Donarumo, Board Member since 2011
Ellen Doyle, Board Mem
ber since 2014
Lauren Michaud, Board Member since 2109
Kim Gambardella, Board Member since 2020
VOLUNTEER TEAM
Terri Crosby- shop volunteer since 2022
Kathy and Ken Booker - York & Cumberland County Delivery & pick up since 2017
Edward Cormier & family- Community Pick Coordinator, shop help and Santa's booking agent- since 2019
Founded in 2005 by Robin Breault Donarumo of Sanford, Maine, Santa’s Cause strives to make a difference in our community during the stressful holiday season. What started as a simple desire to make sure the children in York County Foster Care System had at least one gift to open on Christmas morning, has grown to the distribution of thousands of toys and gifts in a 10-week time period. Santa’s Cause provides age appropriate gifts, and holiday support to an ever-increasing number of needy families in our York County Maine communities. Requests come in from our pre-approved third-party referring individuals - counselors, teachers, social workers, child protective services, etc. Our first priority are the children in foster care. We work directly with the supervisors and caseworkers of DHHS in District 1 to make sure each child has a special day. Thanks to the support of our community and volunteers, we have never left a request for help unanswered. Imagine being the parent that has to tell your child that Santa isn't coming to their house this year! Can you picture your child’s wishful face peering through the window on Christmas morning in a desperate hope that maybe, just maybe, Santa is only running late. These are the visions that motivate us each year to be there to help these families during the stressful holiday season. To provide help to those in need, we reach out to businesses and private citizens in York and Cumberland County. Maine for donations of toys, clothing and gift card contributions. We take pride in the fact that EVERY dollar donated to Santa's Cause goes towards the cause. Our challenge is that because we are a "last resort" organization, we seldom know in advance to what extent our help will be needed. We always hear from families that have had a personal tragedy and need last minute help, or a foster child that has been taken in on an emergency basis at last minute. Most years we are making deliveries until late on Christmas Eve. "Santa’s Cause is so much more than providing toys to children at Christmas, although it did start out that way. It warms my heart to think that a child is smiling on Christmas morning because of our efforts and your support." Robin (The founder of Santa's Cause) has always desired to do so much more for families in need. “Many of the children that benefit from our efforts are in families who are considered to be 'the working poor.' Personally, I do not like the word “poor.” It doesn’t truly represent those struggling to make enough money to pay the bills and put food on the table. These people are loving, caring parents, just like us. They want so badly to do more for their children. As Santa's Cause enters it's 20th year, the team is as focused and dedicated as ever to help families make Christmas magic for their children and we are so grateful for the support given to us by this outstanding community! Contact information: [email protected]
