Christmas is right around the corner and Western Illinois Regional Council's (WIRC) Project Santa program is now taking applications from Oct. 12 - Oct. 31 (or when the enrollment limit is reached, whichever comes first).
The mission of WIRC’s Project Santa program is to provide gifts and clothing to children of eligible households in Hancock, Henderson and McDonough counties in western Illinois.
Project Santa aims to give children a sense of security and grow their giving spirit. While Santa is in the name, it is not a Christmas program; people of all beliefs are welcome to participate in the joy of giving gifts to their children. “We helped a little girl who was more excited about getting a new winter coat than her toys,” said Jamie Roth, Community Services & Public Relations Director at WIRC. “The children we help, and their adults, are often worrying about things that many of us take for granted.”
To qualify, you must meet all of the following criteria:
• Your children are age 18 or younger and live primarily with you (disabled adults considered on a case-by-case basis);
• You live in Hancock, Henderson, or McDonough counties in Illinois;
• Your household was approved for at least one of the following WIRC programs between October 1, 2025 until the current date: LIHEAP, Good Food Pantry, Home Weatherization, Scholarship, Care Market, Bottom Line and Ride Forward.
Project Santa is entirely funded by donations from the public. People throughout western Illinois donate and volunteer to bring joy to children. Your monetary donation will be used to purchase gifts for children and to support the program. Donors, like you, keep this special program going!
To donate, visit the Western Illinois Regional Council website or Facebook page and donate online, for checksplease write “Project Santa” on the memo line and mail or hand-deliver your contribution to: WIRC Attn: Project Santa, 133 West Jackson Street, Macomb, IL 61455. Donations are accepted year-round.
For questions or more information, contact WIRC Project Santa by email at [email protected] or call 309-8372997.
