Mission
The Real Deal Santa Claus is here to support Central Ohio children and families experiencing homelessness with toys, everyday essentials, and year-round assistance.
Families living in shelters often arrive with very little. Real Deal Santa Claus works with local shelters and community partners to help provide the items children and families need most, from new toys and gifts to blankets, diapers, wipes, hygiene products, and other everyday essentials.
Our support continues throughout the year, not just during the holidays.
We work directly with the organizations serving these families so donated items can reach people who need them. If a shelter or community organization we partner with identifies a need, we work to help meet it.
Toys still matter
For a child living in a shelter, a new toy can mean much more than something to play with. It can provide comfort, familiarity, and a chance to simply be a kid during an uncertain time.
We provide new toys and gifts for holidays, birthdays, and other special moments throughout the year.
Everyday essentials matter too
Families experiencing homelessness also need practical items that are used every day.
Real Deal Santa Claus helps provide blankets, diapers, wipes, toiletries, hygiene products, and other necessities based on the needs shared by our local shelter and community partners.
Supporting families year-round
The need does not end when the holidays are over, and neither does our work.
Throughout the year, we collect donations, organize drives, work with community partners, and provide toys and essential items to children and families living in shelters throughout Central Ohio.
If you operate a shelter or community organization that could benefit from our support, please contact us.
Help us make a difference
Whether you donate toys, everyday essentials, funds or your time, you can help Real Deal Santa Claus support Central Ohio children and families experiencing homelessness.
Learn about the impact we made in 2025!