SANTA CLAUS FUND RETURNS FOR 2021

The Mississauga News Santa Claus Fund is back for another year to help make a difference for thousands of children in need this holiday season.

As part of the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund, the Mississauga fund has been operating since 2002 with the goal of delivering thousands of gift boxes for underprivileged children across the city so they can have a present to open Christmas morning.

The boxes are genderneutral but age-specific for children under the age of 12. Each box contains a hoodie, hat, mittens, socks, book, toy and cookies. A toothbrush and toothpaste are included for children ages four to 12. Infants will receive clothing and baby accessories.

The Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund was founded in 1906 by longtime publisher Joseph Atkinson, who was well-known for his charitable efforts, as well as his fight for social justice.

The Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund is prepared to deliver 50,000 gift boxes to underprivileged children across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Ajax and Pickering this holiday season. A total of 4,500 boxes are earmarked for Mississauga and Brampton. The Star's fundraising goal for this year's campaign is $1.5 million.

Cathy King, head of philanthropy for Toronto Star Charities, is impressed by how the Santa Claus Fund has kept going strong for 115 years.

"This year, we're finding the need is coming from new immigrants — and it's happening at the same time as the economic after-effects of COVID," King said. "A lot of people have lost their jobs, or their jobs have changed and there's more children in need. We're here to help the children in these five cities and make the boxes available to children who need one."

If you have been touched by the Mississauga News Santa Claus Fund or have a story to tell, please email icolpitts@mississauga.net.

More about this year's campaign

HOW TO DONATE: Visa, Mastercard or AMEX: Call 416-869-4847

Cheque: Mail to The Mississauga News Santa Claus Fund, 3145 Wolfedale Road, Mississauga, ON L5C 3A9

The Star does not allow anyone to solicit on its behalf. Tax receipts will be issued.