About Us

Secret Santa Foundation of Burke County formally organized as an NC non-profit corporation in 2023 and is recognized by the IRS as a public charity under 501(c)(3).

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The project has been around since 2005 and has been committed to spreading joy and hope during the holiday season by providing Christmas gifts to children in need within the Burke County Public Schools system. 

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Our mission is to bring joy to children in need by providing Christmas gifts and fostering a sense of community support and compassion during the holiday season.

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What We Do

We receive lists of children from multiple Burke County Elementary schools and then assign our wonderful sponsors to provide Christmas gifts for them. The schools provide us with general information about the child and their needs/wants which we pass along to the sponsor to purchase items to wrap and tag with their assigned code (e.g. A-1). 

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Each year, the Foundation hosts a gift collection event where donors bring their wrapped presents to enjoy the joy of Christmas giving with each other. Invitations are extended to sponsors of a child(ren) either directly or indirectly with a monetary contribution of $150+.

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The Foundation also accepts monetary donations which are used to help purchase gifts for kids by sending our "elves" to purchase the items. This is especially helpful in situations where a donor may not have the ability to physically shop for the gifts or would like to contribute at a lower monetary amount than sponsoring a child directly. We are a 501(c)(3) meaning your donations, both cash and non-cash, are tax deductible. Please consult with your tax advisor to determine how this applies to your situation. The Foundation also incurs a minimal amount of overhead each year which requires funds.

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Community Involvement

Secret Santa Foundation of Burke County operates through a variety of initiatives designed to meet the unique needs of our community:

 

1. Gift Sponsorship: Local businesses, families, and community members can sponsor individual children, providing them with thoughtfully selected gifts based on their age and interests.

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2. Community Fundraising Events: We host an annual holiday party to raise funds and gather donations that support our mission.

 

3. Partnerships with Local Schools: We collaborate closely with Burke County Public Schools to identify children in need and ensure that our efforts directly reach those who will benefit the most.

 

4. Volunteer Opportunities: We welcome volunteers from the community who share our passion for making a difference. Opportunities include gift wrapping, event planning, and distribution of gifts.

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Thank you all for your support

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Ashley Bunner, Founder & Board President