Project Santa Back In Action, Supporting More Than 300 Children During The Holidays

WINDSOR, CT — Project Santa has returned to Windsor for its 11th year, bringing together volunteers, families, faith groups, and local businesses to ensure local children experience a joyful holiday season, organizers say.

The community-wide initiative functions much like a large-scale Secret Santa, matching donors with children to fulfill personalized wish lists.

This year, the nonprofit will support 332 children across 120 Windsor families, according to organizers.

All donor slots for 2025 are already filled.

How Project Santa Works

Donors, residents, local groups, or businesses are anonymously matched with a child or family. They shop for the items, drop them off at Grace Church, and volunteers handle the wrapping and packaging. Families also receive a grocery card to help with their holiday meal.

Where It’s Happening

All Project Santa activities take place at Grace Episcopal Church, 311 Broad Street (lower level), next to the public library on Windsor's town green.

Toy Drop-Off Times

Donors bring gifts for their assigned families during these hours:

• Saturday, Dec. 6: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 7: 12 p.m.–5 p.m.
Items can be placed inside the building or in an on-site ambulance.

Volunteer Sorting Days

Volunteers will sort and assemble hundreds of donated items:

• Monday, Dec. 8: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 9: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

A Windsor Tradition

Organizers say the program depends on community collaboration, with support from the Windsor Food and Fuel Bank, town social services, local churches, Windsor Volunteer Ambulance, Loomis Chaffee School, Windsor Federal, the Windsor Chamber of Commerce, and many others.