[ad_1]
Madison, Wisconsin — A heartfelt effort to bring Christmas joy to children facing homelessness in the Madison Metropolitan School District.
Santas Without Chimneys has helped ensure that hundreds of neighborhood children and their out-of-school little siblings get their Christmas wishes. They have been working on him for over a decade.
Lead Santa and co-founder Chaous Riddle said it’s the yearly labor of love that really makes the difference.
“All these kids need are some gifts and blankets and someone who says they care,” Riddle said of why she and her team of elves volunteered. .
Meanwhile, the school district said it was coping with more students experiencing homelessness than before.
Jani Koester, MMSD transitional education program leader, said, “This year has been better than in the past. Conditions like the economy and housing market make that very difficult.”
Kester said the school district had about 720 students experiencing homelessness at last check. Riddle said her organization is helping about 500 people this holiday season.
“Santa [Without Chimneys] I can give them something more…they can give them a vacation…that’s in the back of my mind,” Coster said.
Those interested in supporting the cause can donate through Christmas.
[ad_2]
Source link