$4,491 raised by 60 donors
45% complete
$10,000 Goal
In 2021, The Black Santa Project was founded in the heart of Five Points. Our Founder & Executive Director, Auon’tai Anderson, received a call from brother jeff of the brother jeff Cultural Center asking for a “Black Santa” to support a local toy giveaway sponsored by Montbello Walks. With only a red Nike sweatsuit, Auon’tai headed to Party City to find a Santa beard and hat. Organically, at the same time, Ms. Pam Jiner (Montbello Walks) needed to find a home for all of the excess toys she had in stock. Because of this collaboration, The Black Santa Project has distributed over 40,000 toys to kids in our community, launched FREE holiday pictures for thousands of families, and provided thousands of school supplies to kids returning at the beginning of the last three consecutive school years. This year, because of the 2025 government shutdown, SNAP holds, and severe layoffs, The Black Santa Project is down 7,000 gifts compared to prior years. We need your help!
Furthermore, The Black Santa Project is about more than tangible items; it’s about making every child and family member feel seen, loved, and included during the most magical time of the year. We’re here to ensure no child wakes up without a gift and no family feels left out of the holiday spirit. By diversifying the image of Santa Claus, we’re showing kids that Santa looks like them, their communities, and the people who love them most. Through acts of kindness, storytelling, and meaningful connection, we’re creating a holiday season that embraces everyone and reminds us of the beauty in our shared humanity.
The Black Santa Project maintains the dignity of all families that we serve each year. In order to ensure this happens, we accept all families regardless of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or background. Our diverse list of partners shows our commitment to this philosophy. Some of these partners include The Denver Police Department, Denver Health, Montbello Organizing Committee, The McBride Impact, Colorado Senate President James Coleman, Sims-Fayola Foundation, Kids Above Everything, and many others.
We are looking to expand our sponsors and partnerships in the greater Denver and Colorado Community to grow our organization and serve more families. We would like you to consider donating to our 503c Organization for this upcoming season and in the future. Our survival depends on the participation and generosity of our local community.
There are multiple ways to join us in our mission. First and foremost, we need monetary donations to purchase toys for the upcoming holiday event. Second, we are asking for community partners to place donation boxes in local business, centers, and public spaces. Third, we are looking to connect with larger nonprofits to help get the word out, and lastly we are always in need of volunteers to work behind the scenes and to attend/support fundraising events.
We sincerely appreciate your support and time,
The Black Santa Board
The Black Santa Project is about more than gifts; it’s about making every child feel seen, loved, and included during the most magical time of the year. We’re here to ensure no child wakes up without a gift and no family feels left out of the holiday spirit. By diversifying the image of Santa Claus, we’re showing kids that Santa looks like them, their communities, and the people who love them most. Through acts of kindness, storytelling, and meaningful connection, we’re creating a holiday season that embraces everyone and reminds us of the beauty in our shared humanity.
Founded in 2021, The Black Santa Project was born from a simple act of service that grew into a citywide movement of joy, culture, and representation. What began in the historic Five Points neighborhood—when brother jeff put out a call for a “Black Santa” to support a community toy giveaway hosted by Montbello Walks—quickly evolved into something much bigger. I showed up that day in a red Nike sweatsuit, a Santa hat, and a Party City beard… and from that moment, a tradition rooted in love and visibility for Black children and families was created.
Now entering its fifth year, The Black Santa Project has distributed more than 40,000 toys and provided thousands of families across Colorado with holiday support, free photos, resources, and a sense of belonging. But beyond the numbers, the project stands on the belief that representation matters, that every child deserves to see themselves reflected in joy, and that community care is a collective responsibility.
Each year, our work is made possible because the village shows up—neighbors, organizations, educators, parents, public servants, and volunteers who understand that when we pour into our children, we strengthen the whole community. The Black Santa Project continues to grow because Denver continues to believe in it, invest in it, and embody the spirit that “The Village Made It Happen.”
Organization name
The Black Santa Project
2021
Tax id (EIN)
33-3356425
Category
Education, Civil Rights, Social Action & Advocacy, Public & Societal Benefit, Human Services
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
2836 WELTON STCO, US