Help Us Reach 600 Kids: The Elf Project Needs Community Elves for Christmas 2025

There's nothing better than seeing a community come together to change the lives of kids. This September, we're launching our biggest Elf Project yet – and we need elves like you to make Christmas magic happen for 600 children in El Dorado County who otherwise wouldn't experience the joy of gifts under their tree.

Because no child should wake up Christmas morning to emptiness where presents should be.
 

The Challenge We Face Together

This is our third year running The Elf Project, and while we've helped hundreds of kids, the reality breaks our hearts: each year there are schools we can't include and families with more children needing support than we can serve. Family needs in El Dorado County are greater this year than ever before. Last year, we provided gifts for 420 children. This year, our goal is 600 – because we know kids might wake up Christmas morning without gifts under the tree. Everyone is more giving at Christmas, and the idea that children face that reality breaks people's hearts. That's why we're counting on our community to step up like never before.
 

Your Role as Someone's Christmas Elf

Here's how simple (and magical) it is to change a child's Christmas:                       

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When you sign up to be an elf, we'll send you a child or teen's wish list in early November. The list includes their age, grade, clothing sizes, favorite colors, favorite things, something they need, something they want, and their one big wish. You'll have several weeks to shop thoughtfully, then bring wrapped gifts between December 7th and 13th for delivery to schools the week of December 15th.

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Trust us – walking into our collection room filled with hundreds of gifts while we serve cocoa and cookies is heartwarming, inspiring and makes you feel the true spirit of Christmas.
 

Who This Serves

These are local kids and families in El Dorado County facing financial challenges that make Christmas gifts impossible. As one single mom of four children under 7 told us: "It meant a lot to be able to have gifts for my children when I couldn't afford them this year. Without the help, Christmas would have been hard. Thank you for everything you do! :)"
 

If you believe every child deserves to feel the magic of Christmas morning, this is your chance to make that happen.
 

The Magic You'll Help Create

Picture Christmas morning: a child discovers beautifully wrapped gifts waiting under their tree – gifts chosen specifically for them by someone who cared enough to learn about their favorite colors and biggest dreams.                           

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As Bridget Isham from Black Oak Mine Unified School District shared: "The impact reaches far beyond the holiday season. For students who receive gifts, it brings joy and a sense of being seen. For families, it provides support during a financially and emotionally challenging time, helping create positive memories. Community members experience the joy of giving while supporting our local economy. We build resilience and stronger community belonging."

Become an Elf Today

Ready to be someone's Christmas miracle? Registration is open now for The Elf Project 2024.

Together, we can ensure 600 kids wake up Christmas morning knowing their community cares about them.

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Questions? Contact us.  Every child is counting on elves like you.