Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work? Starting in November, social workers send in wishlists for eligible families and unaccompanied youth. These wishlists are posted on our website for community members to view and sponsor one or more children. Unwrapped gifts are brought to drop-boxes, collected by volunteers, transported to the SWC Workshop, matched to specific children, wrapped, and then delivered to schools or families' locations.
When does it start? Can I still enroll? Applications generally begin by early November and will be accepted until at least December 15. More information at our Enrollment page. Case workers and social workers outside of MMSD are also welcome to contact us at SWC@SantasWithoutChimneys.org about potentially-eligible families or unaccompanied youth.
What if I or my family doesn't celebrate Christmas and/or have a Santa tradition? That's completely fine! We're an entirely non-religious organization and don't want anyone to feel left out. We welcome volunteers and participants of all backgrounds and experiences.
How do sponsorships work? Most importantly: no matter what, all of the kids are going to get presents! You needn't worry that "unsponsored" children will go without. Sponsoring a child just means that instead of giving us a general gift that we'd then match with a kid, the sponsor is planning to get presents for that specific child. This helps us know that their wishes are taken care of, and allows us to focus more on the rest of the kids on our list. More details for sponsors available here!
When are donated gifts due? Those who have signed up to sponsor a child or family should please have the gifts to us by the first Friday in December if the family is listed as needing an "early" delivery, or the second Monday in December for families needing a "regular" delivery. We also gladly accept general gift donations starting in early November and going until December 22 at any of our gift box hosts. Thank you!
Where can I drop off items? We have many drop-boxes throughout the Madison area! If you own or know of a business that would like to host one, please contact us.
Why do you request unwrapped gifts? Unwrapped gifts help SWC ensure that there are no duplicate items and that siblings and children living doubled-up together receive roughly balanced sets of gifts so no child feels left out. Even if you sponsor an entire family, SWC likes to add special touches such as books or a blanket. Wrapping opportunities are plentiful at the Workshop for anyone who enjoys helping with that.
Are donations tax deductible? Yes! All donations to Santas Without Chimneys, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, are tax deductible. If you'll need a receipt for your donation, please plan to bring it to us in-person or contact us to make other arrangements. Thank you!
How is this different than other gift drives? Madison is fortunate to have several wonderful programs helping families in need! Our model of soliciting wishlists means that we have a good understanding of who each child is as an individual and can put together a carefully-curated package of gifts just for them. We also welcome applications that include wishes from older teens who are completing a high school degree or equivalent and adult children living with their families due to developmental disabilities if they wish to participate, and wishes in preparation for unborn babies. Once the gifts are selected and wrapped, we deliver directly to families where they are staying, even accompanied by Santa if they'd like!
