top of page
What is Letters To Santa?
Every Christmas since 1995, Letters To Santa volunteers have hand delivered hope to families experiencing poverty. We show up unannounced with armloads of gifts including food, clothing, toys, household necessities, a computer for every child, a tablet for every parent, and the gift needed most: money. Each family receives $10,000. No strings attached.
Letters To Santa is the primary program of Poverty Alleviation Charities, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that was founded to give direct assistance to economically disadvantaged families. We fundraise separately for our annual operating costs so that you can give knowing that 100% of your donation will be hand delivered to a family who needs it.




1/7




Most Letters To Santa funds are raised during one remarkable live benefit event that has been running annually since 2002 at the world-famous Second City comedy theater.
24 HOUR is a 24-hour long improv and music marathon that relies on a cast of legendary musicians and the world’s top improvisers
Alumni include over 1000 improvisers and musicians including:
Jeff Tweedy (who has perfomed every 24 Hour for Letters To Santa), George Wendt, Tim Meadows, Fred Armisen, Natasha Lyonne, Jason Sudeikis, Oliva Wilde, Martha Plimpton, Jack McBrayer, Aidy Bryant, Bob Mould, Bush, The Breeders, Keegan-Michael Key, TJ Jagodowski, Veruca Salt, Steve Albini, Cecily Strong, Will Oldham, Chris Redd, Tami Sagher, Fred Schneider, Lil Bub, Mike O'Brien, Nina Nastasia, Robbie Fulks, David Pasquesi, Sam Richardson, Tim Robinson, Robert Smith, Glen Hansard, Ty Segall and many more...
a detailed 24 Hour archive page coming soon...
Upon receiving toys, clothing, computers and $10,000, this Letters To Santa family asked if they could thank us with a song...
"I keep in mind the date December 25, when my letter that I wrote to Santa came out favored to fulfill my dream, I was so happy that I cried because I could not believe that something I always wanted became a reality thanks to your help. As a result, my family and I felt very happy to have found very kind people on our way and I am always going to appreciate that."
~ Letters To Santa recipient
bottom of page