Sidewalk Santa and The Spirit of Giving
For more than 100 years, Volunteers of America’s Sidewalk Santa has embodied America’s spirit of giving during the holiday season.
Our first Sidewalk Santa rang his bell for the needy in 1900. Today, with more than 7.7 million American families living in poverty, the need for help is greater than ever before. In response to this desperation, Sidewalk Santa has returned to the forefront. Encouraging us to support our neighbors in need, give back to our communities and share what we have with others, Sidewalk Santa and the Spirit of Giving provide hope to thousands of Americans facing homelessness, hunger and desperation.
Help us continue to bring the joy of the holidays to families and individuals who need our help by making a tax-deductible donation today.
1900
Sidewalk Santa is first introduced in Los Angeles during the balmy winter of 1900. According to historical records, the five original Sidewalk Santas are hauled off to jail and booked for creating a nuisance. A public outcry ensues and the Santas are released. They go on to raise some $800 for Christmas dinners for the poor, far exceeding their goal of $500. In short order, Sidewalk Santa begins to appear across the country, arriving in New York City in 1902.
1920s
During the Great Depression, Sidewalk Santa helps raise money for Volunteers of America programs across the country. New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Portland, and Louisville all receive yearly visits from Sidewalk Santa.
1940s
Despite war, rapid social change, and general world disorder, Sidewalk Santa appears during the holidays on many street corners beside the familiar chimney, ringing the bell to remind Americans to help their neighbors in need.
1950s
Volunteers of America-Greater New York begins a new tradition--Santa School, which teaches Santas-in-training such practical skills as how to firmly attach their wig and beard and how to answer the all important question, Are you the real Santa? A celebrity teacher instructs Santas in bell-ringing, proper ho-ho-ho’s, leads them in the Sidewalk Santa Pledge and finally, presents them with a diploma.
1960s
The popularity of Sidewalk Santa increases in the 1960s. Celebrity supporters of Sidewalk Santa include Lucille Ball, Pat Boone, Victor Borge, Angie Dickenson, Angela Lansbury, Robert Morse, Robert Preston, and David Frost.
1990s
The Sidewalk Santa program welcomes its first female Santa--Muriel Burrell. Burrell has a prominent position stationed outside Macy's on 34th Street, calling out "Happy Holidays!" to all who pass by. "I'm the Miracle on 34th Street!" jokes Burrell.
2000s
New York's Sidewalk Santa campaign celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2002, beginning a second century of helping those who are hungry during the holidays. Kick-off day includes a parade through New York City’s Times Square and an appearance on NBC's Today Show. Later in the season, Sidewalk Santa rings the opening bell for the American Stock Exchange.
