Our directors obey three simple rules: Contribute, Solicit and Participate. Each of us contributes personally. Each solicits donations from friends, family and associates. And each participates in packing and distributing the holiday parcels.
Because SVP directors perform all tasks related to the purchasing of food,
clothing and toys, and personally undertake all of the distribution, every
dollar raised goes directly to the needy. Any administrative costs including postage are paid by the directors. We are only limited by the amount of funds that generous individuals and corporations can donate. The possibilities
are endless. The success of SVP lies in its simplicity and the willingness
of its directors and contributors to reach out to others less fortunate
and bring the true meaning of Christmas into the hearts of many children
and families.
We wish you could see what your donation buys. Every Santa for the Very Poor family receives two large shopping bags loaded with hams, rice, canned yams, tuna, peas, corn, peaches, cranberry sauce, muffin and mashed potato mixes, peanut butter and jelly, nuts and, of course, cookies, as well as a $50 food certificate from Strack and Van Til. Each family also gets a big bag of toys, games, and knit goods chosen to suit the age of each child and adult in the family.
$50 food certificates enables the elderly on our list to tailor their holiday meal according to their tastes and needs. All told, your generosity will help us spread the spirit of the holidays to several thousand needy Chicagoans!!