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.

For a decade, 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.

Annual Schools Toy Drive – In February, Summer Santa collects toys from dozens of area schools. These toys are distributed to area charities in the summertime for children most in need.

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.

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.

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

Fundraisers – Summer Santa’s major fundraiser is Star-Telegram columnist Dave Lieber’s annual Yankee Cowboy Miniature Golf & Bowling Tournament held each May on the Saturday before Mother’s Day at Brunswick Watauga Zone. The tournament began in 1998.

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 League – Summer Santa has partnered with the United Way to create a summer athletic league in the Birdville school district 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 five area Northeast Tarrant County school districts. They are:

  • Birdville ISD
  • Carroll ISD
  • Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD
  • Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
  • Keller 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
  • Open Arms Program
  • Roanoke Food Pantry, NW Christian Community Service
  • SafeHaven of Tarrant County