Become A Christmas Hero: Sponsor A Local Child In Need

Become a Christmas Hero by sponsoring a local child or complete family in need. These local children and families are right here in Kane County, Illinois. Together, we can make sure that EVERY child gets to experience the true magic of Christmas!

What does a sponsor do and how do I become one?

A sponsor helps to fulfill personalized holiday wish lists for the child or family whom they are sponsoring. When you sign up to be a sponsor, you tell us how many children you would like to sponsor and if you have a preference for age or gender. Upon receiving this information, we will send you a personalized wish list for each child you are sponsoring. Please note, you are NOT required to purchase every item on the wish list. It is entirely up to you how many gifts you choose to purchase.

To become a sponsor, simply fill out the volunteer sponsor form below. In this form, you will also be able to tell us how many children you would like to sponsor, and if you have a preference for age or gender. 

 





Frequently asked questions

When is the deadline to turn in the gifts that I have purchased?

We kindly ask that all sponsor gifts be turned in no later than December 5th so that our elves have plenty of time to organize and prepare everything for distribution to our families.

Each year, we host a special Sponsor Gift Drop-Off Event at the St. Charles Public Library in the Miller Haase Room, located on the lower level adjacent to Youth Services. This event is typically held on the first Saturday in December and provides a convenient opportunity for sponsors to drop off their gifts with our Santa’s Helpers team.

We will confirm and share the exact date and time of the Sponsor Gift Drop-Off Event no later than November 1st.

If you are unable to attend the scheduled drop-off event, no worries! Please contact us directly to make alternative arrangements. We are happy to coordinate another convenient day and time with you, as long as your gifts are received on or before December 5th.

Thank you for helping us keep everything organized and running smoothly during our busiest—and most magical—time of the year. Your cooperation helps ensure that every family receives their gifts in time for Christmas!

Should I wrap the gifts that I purchase?

You are more than welcome to wrap your gifts if you would like, but gift wrapping is completely optional and is not required.

If you do choose to wrap the gifts, we kindly ask that each gift be clearly labeled with the child’s first name and ID code. The ID code will be provided to you along with your child’s wish list and helps our Santa’s Helpers elves make sure every gift reaches the correct child.

Whether your gifts arrive beautifully wrapped or ready for a little holiday wrapping magic, what matters most is the kindness and generosity behind them. Thank you for helping make Christmas a little brighter for a child in our community!

Protecting the Privacy of Our Recipients

We are deeply committed to protecting the privacy and dignity of every child and family who participates in our program. We want families to feel comfortable receiving a little extra help during the holiday season, knowing that their personal circumstances will always be treated with care and respect.

With this in mind, sponsors typically will not meet the child they are sponsoring. We share only the information needed to help you shop thoughtfully for your child: their first name, age, and gender, along with their Christmas wish list.

Although you may never meet the child whose gifts you so generously provide, please know that your kindness is felt. Behind every wish list is a child who will experience the excitement of Christmas morning because someone in our community chose to care.

Thank you for helping us create a program where families can receive support with dignity, privacy, and the true spirit of the holiday season.

Do I have to purchase every item on the child's wish list?

Absolutely not! A child’s wish list is simply meant to provide you with ideas and help you choose gifts they would enjoy. There is no expectation or obligation to purchase every item on the list.

How many gifts you choose to purchase—and how much you choose to spend—is entirely up to you. We want sponsoring a child to be a joyful and meaningful experience, not a financial burden.

Whether you purchase one special gift or several items from the wish list, every gift makes a difference and helps bring a little extra joy to a child’s Christmas. We are incredibly grateful for whatever you choose to give! 

How will the child I am sponsoring receive the gifts that I have purchased?

We have an AMAZING team of volunteer delivery drivers who help us bring a little Christmas magic directly to the families we serve!

Once sponsors turn in their gifts, our Santa’s Helpers team takes it from there. We carefully organize the gifts and coordinate directly with each recipient family to arrange delivery. Our wonderful volunteer drivers then make sure the gifts safely reach the families in time for Christmas.

Sponsors do not need to make any delivery arrangements—we’ve got that covered! You provide the generosity, and our elves make sure it gets where it needs to go. 🎄❤️