While there may be lots of reasons to celebrate around the holiday season, Santa & Friends always makes sure that every person in the Triangle has at least one reason to smile.
Santa & Friends is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2000 with a simple mission in mind; to share the magic of Christmas with low-income housing communities, schools, churches, hospitals, nursing homes, police departments, fire departments, special needs children, and seniors. To do this Santa & Friends take toys, food, clothes, and love into these areas as Mr. and Mrs. Clause with the help of volunteers as well, who share a passion for this mission.
However, the holiday season isn’t the only time when Santa & Friends are at work. All year round the organization visits seniors, low-income housing communities, and children to give donations of toys, bunnies, food, and much more. Santa also has delivered "memory” babies to Alzheimer patients. Earlier in the year the Apex Rotary Club invited this partner to share about the work they do year-round. Did you know for several years this Mr & Mrs Claus have been involved with the annual Christmas parade sponsored by the Apex Rotary Club? Don't tell the kids!! It's always a treat for the young and the old to pose with this power couple!
Did you know?
Using a baby doll can be a very effective way for a person with Alzheimer’s or any kind of dementia to decrease stress and agitation. A caregiver can use doll therapy for dementia patients as a way to put responsibility, caring, and structure back into the lives of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s.
What About the Other Holidays?
Throughout the year, Santa & Friends are also involved with Harnett County Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program, Beacon Rescue Mission, Angier and Coast Chambers of Commerce, To Make a Child Smile, Ms. Jane & Friends Gospel Ministries, Apex Police Department, and the Angier Black River Fire Department.
During the Easter season, Santa & Friends continues to visit local senior homes as the Easter bunny, giving out Easter baskets and treats. Santa & Friends also makes sure to give back to low-income households during Easter, offering toy bunnies and visits from the Easter bunny to the children.
Why Talk About This?
We have chosen to call attention to Santa & Friends today as a part of our celebration for Apex’s 150-year anniversary. With this being a special year for our town, we want to make sure we are recognizing the important, wonderful organizations that make our community so great. Santa & Friends has been a part of our community for over twenty years with special donations and visits to those who need them.
The Santa & Friends website has more information about the organization, to learn about Santa & Friends click, here.
Have you read our latest blog post, celebrating Apex's 150 years? Check it out, here.