Lone Star Santas® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of men and women who live in Texas, and portray Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Elves and helpers. Santas can be either real bearded or designer bearded because it is what is in our hearts that matters. We believe in the Santa Claus Oath.
This organization was formed for the exchange of ideas, networking, helping each other, and to provide general camaraderie.
We became a bit more formalized in early 2009 and determined that there are costs involved. Therefore, we instituted membership dues ($50/family unit). At that time, we elected a Claus Council of five members to oversee the functions necessary to make the group run well. We like getting together a few times a year to meet and greet and break bread with each other.
When the tornado in Joplin, MO happened in 2011, several members saw the opportunity to reach out to children and families affected by the natural disaster. After all, adults receive more focus during these horrific events. Children are left to be cared for mostly by their parents and other family members. Who better to bring smiles to children’s faces than Santa Claus? And, amongst all the loss, make sure they had something they could call their own…a new toy. Monies were donated, toys were donated and purchased by members, and a Convoy of Toys® was organized. This was our first call to action. It was devastation to the community but we saw the need to reach out to children of all ages to bring Love, Hope, Joy…and Toys, all wrapped in a big Santa hug directly to those impacted by natural disasters.
We are an all-volunteer organization. Our members have an annual background check on record, most are insured, and many are hospice trained. We are the largest Regional/Statewide Santa organization in the world.
We are now an officially formed 501(c)(3) and have voted in a Board of Directors and appointed officers. But we still like getting together for food and fellowship…especially the food.
The only rule for this group is to talk and act the way Santa, Mrs. Claus, Elves and helpers would.