21st Century Santa » Volunteer

Who can be Santa's helper?

We would be honored if you could share your time and talents with our organization.

“But what do I have that you need” you ask? If you love children with challenges and vulnerable adults then you have what it takes to volunteer with us. There is always something to do.

The Christmas season is usually the busiest time of year, but with disaster services as a facet of our mission it can become quite intense at these times as well.

The property is evolving in preparation for the start of the building process, so hands are always needed with that.

Program development is another area in need of wonderful ideas and willing hands to carry them out.

Do you have the gift of being able to fund-raise? We would certainly love your help!

What are the benefits?

There is nothing like the smile of a child. And there is nothing like being able to warm the heart and bring a smile to the face of a child going through a crisis.

You can help make this happen with your donations to 21st Century Santa. And, you can experience it for yourself by volunteering a little of your time to help make the vision and ministry of 21st Century Santa happen.

Ways you can help now

Property clean up

Fence removal

Recycling

Office work

Fundraising

Shopping

Welding

Coming events

We are located on 15 acres on Hwy 37, just east of Minco, OK. We need volunteers to help transition from farmland to Candy Cane Village and Candy Cane Lane.

The Minco property is partially fenced. The old fencing needs to go, and eventually be replaced.

As we clean up our property, we find things that need to be sorted for recycling.
In addition, if you have scrap metal that needs to be recycled, you can donate it so the organization can benefit from selling it.
Either way, we can use help handling and sorting it.

There is a wide range of things to do our around our office—data input, brochure stuffing, mailings, phone calls, maintenance, stuffing gift bags….

If you have a talent for fundraising, we are always looking for ideas. In addition, we can use volunteers to help staff fund-raising projects like our Candy Cane Classic Car Show, Where’s Rudolph Motorcycle Ride, and other projects throughout the year.

Yes. Believe it or not. If you like to shop, have we got a deal for you!?!
Often we have lists of specific needs, and we need help shopping for the items we give away—from shoes, clothes, winter hats & gloves, toys, games, personal hygiene & toiletries.

In our blog – The Candy Cane Chronicle – and coming newsletters we will list current needs for help. This will include events, help at the office, work around the property and help with programs both on and off site.
However, this list does not by any means limit your help, if there is something that you think would be of service or you have an idea, please share!

Volunteer

Words From Familes We've Served

My family has been blessed through this organization. We lost our home in the flooding in NE Oklahoma last May. We only now (Feb. 2020) have a solid roof over our heads and firm floor under our feet. We first encountered 21st Century Santa in a resource center, where we went to begin our recovery process, by visiting several agencies for help all in one place. I certainly didn’t expect to see Santa and Mrs. Claus there, but what a bright spot in our time of trouble! I had 3 of my 5 children with me that day. My guide took me to their table first, where my kids picked out a few NEW toys each so they could play and stay busy while I went to the other tables for recovery services. Then we went back there last to visit about their services. Wow, was I immediately relieved that this was available to my family. At times like this the last thing on my mind was not only the playthings my kids just lost but that Christmas and birthdays were coming. This organization helped me to leave the resource center not only with a sense of relief, but also a smile. This past October, a staff person (Gayla) contacted me for follow up as promised. She spent about an hour not only taking my children’s wish list, but asked how we were and honestly listened to my progress. In about 3 weeks, Mrs. Claus (Terri) called with a delivery date and place to receive my kids’ gifts from THEIR wish lists. All complete with wrapping supplies so we could experience what parents would normally do for their children by wrapping their gifts! Even though we were still in a camper, it was truly Christmas! I think more so than ever. This organization helped restore the dignity and hope and made a memory about the true meaning of CHRISTmas. It’s about the gift of LOVE! We will be forever grateful.

Client served 2/23/2020, Sand Springs, OK
These are the most kind people! This organization overflows with what CHRISTmas is…no matter the time of year, they help those in need and my family has been a direct benefactor of that love. Santa, Mrs. Claus and volunteers have provided my family emergency services in the past after the Bridgecreek tornadoes. Then, they followed up with Christmas and then birthdays! They understand what immediate and long-term need is, and that children need continuity in time of chaos. By the way, they also served us after the Moore tornadoes in 2013. I realized this after I recognized them from before!! Christ place them in our life again after we moved from Moore. My family CAN’T WAIT for Candy Cane Village to get built! We will be their best supporters! Thank you for all you do and may you continue to be a blessing!

Client Served 4/29/2016, Bridgecreek, OK
Well, this is an AWESOME organization!!! They went above and beyond expectations with my family this Christmas. The quality of the toys and clothing was fantastic! Not just cheapy kind of stuff from the dollar store. They made sure my children (5) had as close to what they wished for, and in some cases exactly what they wanted. Beautiful new clothes and a gift card for food. This was all accompanied by wrapping supplies so that I could make sure I knew exactly what was in each package myself. This afforded me the dignity of giving my children a gift from me. As struggling single mom that barely makes ends meet, 21st Century Santa afforded me the joy of giving to my kids. If not for this organization we would not have had ANYTHING this Christmas. My parents are not able, and the Dad is not on the scene. Grandma and Grandpa also had the joy of watching their grandchildren open gifts and squeal with joy! Also, we could enjoy a little more dinner for Christmas Day with things I would not have normally bought. The love just flows from this organization and my children will know that this was the best Christmas ever because of the unconditional love of 21st Century Santa, Inc.!!!

Client Served, Oklahoma 1/12/2016
I can’t express fully in words the compassion this organization has for others. I have been a client of theirs through a disaster situation (tornado), and their calming presence amid the chaos in the MARC was evident from the moment I walked in. A volunteer took me and my children to their table where we were greeted with a smile and love. My children were given THEIR choice of some new toys to play with to help occupy their minds, so I could concentrate on the monumental task ahead. Then when I finished, I was directed back to their table for follow up later in the year for Christmas and birthdays if I needed. Well, we needed it. This Christmas would not have been possible if not for this organization. They, with joy, provided us with new toys, clothes, and a gift card for extra food. My children now know that this organization is where Santa lives, and the face of Christ shines through him,and the others within the organization. God speed to them and all of their endeavors!

Client Served, Moore, OK 12/29/2015

How Can I Become an Elf/Volunteer?

1:Interview

An interview in person will be required of the volunteer, or the parent, guardian or advisor.

2:Age requirement

You must be at least 18 to volunteer on your own. However, we welcome people less than 18 with parent, guardian, or advisors of legal age.

3:Family Groups

Families are encouraged to work together, since this fosters not only a good work ethic, but sets the example for community service.

4:Senior Citizens

You are an indispensable gift. You can help in accordance with your abilities. We especially encourage you to help with office work - stuffing envelopes, brochures, gift bags, phone calls. These things help us tremendously and give you an opportunity to serve indoors.

5:Groups and organizations

This is a tremendous service opportunity for church, school or service club groups. For example, National Honor Society student can earn service points toward their requirements for NHS. Church groups - consider it a "stay at home" mission project. Because of our participation in VOAD and other agencies that respond to needs and emergencies, we find the needs, and you can help us meet them.