An annual effort that was started to help children at one Whiteland school has grown and will now provide gifts to about 85 students at all five Clark-Pleasant elementary schools.
The Warrior Santa Cause, a fundraiser that began six years ago, collects money for Christmas gifts for children in need in Clark-Pleasant elementary schools.
Since 2011, volunteers have raised more than $50,000 to purchase gifts each Christmas for elementary students and their siblings.
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Click here to purchase photos from this gallery“It has been really humbling to see how one little act of kindness has turned into so much more,” said Brian Stanifer, who began The Warrior Santa Cause in 2011.
The fundraising effort began six years ago with a mission to gather $500, which snowballed into nearly $8,500 raised over the course about a month, he said.
“It started off as such a small gesture and it grew into something so much more,” Stanifer said. “It was almost contagious.”
Getting the gifts that first year was a frantic rush as they hurried to get everything purchased and wrapped prior to Christmas, but they’ve had time to get an efficient process in place now, Whiteland Elementary School counselor Kristy Boone said.
About 40 percent of elementary students in the Clark-Pleasant school district qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, which are offered to children from low-income families, Boone said. Families of students involved in those programs receive forms from the school asking if they wanted to receive gifts through The Warrior Santa Cause, she said.
While the project began with the idea of providing presents for students at just Whiteland Elementary School, it soon morphed into something much larger, thanks to the generosity of the community, Stanifer said.
The group spends $100 to $150 per child, depending on how many they have to help and how much money has been raised, Boone said.
Counting students and siblings, they will assist about 85 kids this year, she said.
“Families are struggling and to take that load off of a parent or guardian is a such a release for them,” she said. “They are grateful they can provide children with a Christmas they were hoping for.”
To get the presents, Boone and another school employee will go on a several-hour shopping spree.
“We’ve got our list,” she said. “We shop fast and furious for about three hours. We’ve got it down to a science.”
The gifts range from blankets, shirts and pajamas to Nerf guns, dolls and electronics, she said. Parents provide the school with a list of potential presents.
“It may be a small need to you or I, but to them it is a huge deal,” Stanifer said.
Teachers will spend the next week individually wrapping each present. Parents will be able to discreetly pick them up and give them to their children however they would choose to do so, Boone said.
“It brings the Christmas Spirit to the building,” she said.
To raise the money needed, the Warrior Santa Cause has several fundraisers, but the primary one is their upcoming annual ugly sweater party, Stanifer said.
The Dec. 17 party features a silent auction, gift card raffle, ugly sweater contest and music from the Blue River Band. Items in the silent auction include autographed footballs, Colts memorabilia and Pacers tickets, Stanifer said. They’ve raised anywhere from $7,500 to $14,000 in the past. The money they raise is set aside for Christmas presents the next year.
The Warrior Santa Cause has also inspired local businesses and families to reach out to those in need, buying presents and offering them financial assistance directly, rather than using a charity as a go-between, Stanifer said.
“Many people are taking it upon themselves to assist people,” he said.
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What: Annual Warrior Santa Cause Ugly Sweater Party, will feature live music by The Blue River Band, a silent auction, gift card raffle and an ugly sweater contest with prizes.
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Dec. 17
Where: That Place, 8810 S. Emerson Ave., Indianapolis
Cost: Free
How else to help: The group is still seeking donations for their silent auction and gift card raffle. They can be reached at The Warrior Santa Cause Facebook page.
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