Welcome to Friends Of Parkside - Dear Santa Project Page

2025 Dear Santa Helper Project & FOP's Annual Campaign Drive!

"Still Bringing Joy to Parkside Children Every Christmas Since 1993"

Join us as we continue a long and meaningful tradition of spreading holiday cheer to Parkside children. For more than 33 years, the Dear Santa Helper Project has brought toys, warm winter essentials, and holiday memories to families in our community. Your generosity keeps this tradition alive.

About the Project:

Since 1993, Friends Of Parkside (FOP) has been bringing holiday cheer to children in the Villages at Parkside, a public housing complex, and the larger community through our annual Dear Santa Helper Project. Our mission is to ensure every child experiences the joy of receiving a Christmas gift. This year, 66 children are participating.

Because of the political and economic uncertainty affecting many families, we have expanded the project to support children ages 4 to 16. Children from Parkside or those who participate in Friends Of Parkside youth activities are welcome to take part.

Who Are Santa Helpers?

Santa Helpers are caring people and organizations from across Michigan and around the country. They include university faculty and staff, hospital workers, student groups, scout packs, and corporate partners such as Stellantis, which has already adopted 32 children this year.

Some of our strongest and longest supporters come from the University of Michigan or Ann Arbor. Their kindness has helped make this project a success for decades. Examples include:

A retired professor and her daughter, who first adopted a Parkside child when the daughter was in elementary school. She is now an adult with her own family and still makes time each year to support a Parkside child.
Two spouses of two different retired professors, who reach out early and often to adopt children for Christmas and to make sure no child goes without a gift.
A University of Michigan researcher and a medical doctor, who also check in every year to make sure they are on the list and adopt children regularly.

In addition to gift donors, many supporters make cash donations that are essential to the project. These contributions help purchase last-minute gifts and cover important costs such as website fees, staff time, and other expenses needed to keep the Dear Santa Helper Project running smoothly.

These stories show how long-lasting and meaningful the spirit of giving can be. We are grateful for all Santa Helpers whether new or long-time supporters who give their time, care, and generosity to make the holidays brighter for Parkside children.

How It Works:

Children ages 4–16 complete a “Dear Santa Helper” form online.
They share their first name, age, grade, top three Christmas wishes, and why they selected those items.
Santa Helpers choose a child to “adopt” for Christmas.
Helpers purchase at least one of the requested gifts.
Gifts can be shipped or delivered to the Friends Of Parkside office.
We ask that gifts arrive by the week of December 8, 2025.
If you need more time, just let us know we’re flexible.
Families receive gifts as they arrive.
In January, each Santa Helper receives a thank-you letter and a photo (or optional video) from the child they helped.

Tax-Deductible Donations: 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).

Become a Santa Helper: 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 [email protected] 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.

Introducing FOP’s Second Annual Campaign Drive

“Making a Difference That Lasts All Year!”

In 2024, we launched Friends Of Parkside’s First General Fundraising Campaign Drive and raised nearly $12,000. This was a major achievement for our first year, and we are truly grateful for every supporter who helped make it possible.

This year, we are excited to launch our Second Annual Campaign Drive. Our goal is to triple last year’s success by raising $36,000, or about $3,000 per month for 12 months. These funds will strengthen our core work and expand programs that support Parkside families throughout the entire year.

Your generosity will help sustain beloved traditions like the Dear Santa Helper Project, as well as essential services such as the Parkside Food Pantry.

Why General Operating Support Matters

General operating support is the foundation of Friends Of Parkside’s work. It allows us to continue serving the community every day—not only during the holidays. This support helps us remain flexible and responsive, especially during times of political and economic uncertainty.

Your contribution helps us:

Maintain Essential Programs

Food distribution, health and wellness programs, digital literacy and inclusion, youth activities, senior programs, and community organizing.

Cover Operating Cost

Staffing, supplies, outreach, program planning, and the administrative work that keeps our services moving.

Respond to New Needs

General support allows us to address unexpected challenges, adapt quickly, and build a healthier, stronger, and more resilient community.

By supporting general operating costs, you help create lasting impact for all ages—from children and teens to adults and seniors.

Tax-Deductible Donations: Contributions to the Friends Of Parkside 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).