Our Mission Statement

Summer Santa’s mission is to enrich and nurture the lives of children in need within greater Northeast Tarrant County by sponsoring activities, providing for medical needs and making available back-to-school clothing and school supplies.

Our History

Summer Santa was created in 1997 by Westlake Municipal Judge Brad Bradley and Star-Telegram columnist Dave Lieber as a way to remind everyone that giving and volunteering on behalf of children in need ought to be a year-round activity, not just at end-of-the-year holidays.

Since then, Summer Santa volunteers have worked tirelessly to keep our non-profit costs down so we can share money raised for our children’s programs — which include summer camp scholarships, toys for area charities for summertime distribution, back-to-school clothing and school supplies and free medical checkups for campers.

We have no paid staff or physical office, guaranteeing that our overall management costs are among the lowest in the non-profit industry. Because no one receives a salary and no office rent is paid, our money goes directly into the many programs we offer.

Summer Santa Inc., a recognized non-profit charity by the Internal Revenue Service, is proud to boast that it is one of North Texas’ largest children’s charities, serving thousands of children each year through its various programs.

What We Do

Summer Camp – We send about 250 area children to various camps in each year that otherwise could not afford to go. These children are selected by school guidance counselors and nurses, their principals and social service organizations. Since we began, we have provided $700,000 in camp scholarships for 3,300 children.

Annual Schools Toy Drive – Summer Santa has collected toys from dozens of area schools. These toys are distributed to area charities in the summertime for children most in need. Since we began, we have collected and distributed 34,000 toys and books.

Back To School Clothing and School Supplies – Each August, Summer Santa partners with Kohl’s to provide clothing and supplies to several hundred children at a reduced rate. Since we began, we have funded $129,000 for 1,300 children in this program.

Free Medical Checkups – Dr. Peter Sakovich of Colleyville, who serves on Summer Santa’s board of directors, provides free checkups for children who need medical clearance before attending summer camp. Since we began, he and his nursing staff have conducted 419 physicals.

Book Drive – Summer Santa has conducted an annual book drive in partnership with Barnes & Noble stores and others. These new books are distributed to area charities.

Fundraisers – Summer Santa’s major fundraiser is an annual event unlike those held by other charities. Fauxprah, starring an Oprah impersonator, was a huge hit in 2008. In 2009, we staged a wonderful Tina-Turner styled "What's Love Got To Do With It?" funfest at an area hotel. In 2010, we honored Elvis Presley. And the big event for Feb. 12, 2012 is Frank Sinatra!

After School Program – Summer Santa has funded an after-school program in the Birdville district with school counselors. Approximately 80 students were served in this program.

Athletic Leagues – Summer Santa has created a new program in which we help pay athletic scholarships for young athletes in need in neighborhood sports associations. We target our help for children who otherwise would not play organized sports.

Summer Santa partners with corporations, individuals, service clubs, community groups and school districts, as well as the Star-Telegram, to provide these services.

Who We Serve

Summer Santa works closely with six area Northeast Tarrant County school districts. They are:

  • Birdville ISD
  • Carroll ISD
  • Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD
  • Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
  • Keller ISD
  • Northwest ISD

Summer Santa partners with a dozen or so area charities. We give them toys for summertime distribution, and we work with them to send their children to area summer camps. They are:

  • Alliance for Children/Northeast
  • Battered Women’s Foundation
  • Christ’s Haven Home for Children
  • Community Enrichment Center
  • Community Storehouse
  • GRACE
  • Haltom Middle School
  • I Can Still Shine
  • Open Arms Program
  • Roanoke Food Pantry, NW Christian Community Service
  • SafeHaven of Tarrant County