The Special Santa program gives families support during the holidays by providing gifts and food for eligible children living in the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs (GFWC) New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club (NTJWC) service area.
“Our goal is to provide each child with one complete school outfit, under pants, socks, shoes, three toys and Christmas dinner for the entire family” said Patricia Murphy, Head Elf for the Special Santa Project. “In the past we have adopted 40-50 children from Mort Elementary School to make their Christmas wishes come true. However, this year we were only able to adopt 22 children due to a decline in our membership.”
As of today the New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club has received 603 applications for assistance from children at Mort Elementary, Muller Elementary and the University Area Community Center. “I know I can’t help all of them but I may be able to make this Christmas a little better for a few of them and I have a lot of wonderful friends here that have agreed to participate in the Toy Collection, so I’m really excited” said Murphy.
In an effort to meet the needs of the additional applicants Juniors will be hosting collection boxes throughout the Tampa Palms, New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area for new unused toys for children aged 1 to 18.
“We are looking primarily for toys for big kids because those are the ones that don’t qualify for Toys for Tots. Most of the requests are for basketballs, dodge balls, scooters, those little MP3 players and gift cards but we will accept any new unwrapped toys because there is always another child being added to my list” said Murphy, “In a perfect world I’d like to be able to offer parents one toy for each child in their qualifying household but I know money is tight for all of us this year and that’s why I’m hoping the community will come together and help support my little project.”
Mort Elementary and Muller Elementary are Title 1 Schools.
From Wikipedia: “To qualify as a Title I school, a school typically has around 40% or more of its students come from families who qualify under the United States Census’s definitions as low-income, according to the U.S. Department of Education.[4] Title I states that it gives priority to schools that are in obvious needs of funds, low-achieving schools, and schools that demonstrate a commitment to improving their education standards and test scores.”
In addition to these federal requirements for school assistance the Special Santa eligibility requirements include:
- Current 2010 AFDC/Food Stamps or Letter of Medicaid/Public Assistance DCF/ESS eligibility
- Kid Care/Healthy Kids
- Must have been declined assistance from Toys for Tots, Metropolitan Ministries and the Salvation Army.
Looking for More Collection Locations
If you are a local business owner and would like to host a toy collection box at your business for employees or customers please contact Patricia Murphy, Project Manager for the GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club.
Patricia Murphy
GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club
SpecialSanta@GFWCNewTampaJuniors.org
Three time winner of the Mary Clark Award for the most outstanding club in the State of Florida.
