Santa's Camp and Wonderland

The overall goals and objectives of Santa’s Camp and Wonderland simply stated are to provide KIDS and adults with disabilities programs that allow participants to just have some “FUN” and to provide them with new books, clothing etc., produce from the garden and a place to stay for a day or week to hang out and enjoy their stay.  KIDS and adults with disabilities all will benefit from the Santa Visit Program, the KIDS Gift Giving Program, Hope Garden Program, and the new Glamping/Camp Program.  Several areas of support are available for your help through donations to continue helping KIDS and adults with disabilities.  A brief description for each program follows:

Beginning with a Santa Visit Program in 1998, Santa and his Elves have touched the lives of thousands of children including their families, friends, child life specialists, caregivers, firemen and others.  These year-round visits have been made to Omaha Children’s Hospital, The Muscular Dystrophy Association, Open Door Mission, New Visions and several other organizations that help individuals with intellectual disabilities.  With your donation, many items such as toys, gifts and food for families during Santa Visits, Gift cards, etc. will be purchased for the Santa Visit Program.

The KIDS Gift Giving Program was started over 10 years ago working with KIDS (Kids in Distressed Situations) out of New York City.  New books, clothing, toys, shoes and other items for KIDS are received and distributed by Santa’s Camp and Wonderland to KIDS in need in Southwest Iowa and Eastern Nebraska as well as other locations.  In the last several years over 58 communities in 7 states and Ukraine have received over 145 boxes of books, clothing, toys, school supplies, etc. valued at over $70,000.00.  Your help is needed to cover the costs of packaging materials, printing supplies, storage expenses, shipping and other operating costs.

The Hope Garden Program was started fourteen years ago and now is a two-acre garden where all the produce is given to food pantries, nursing homes, men’s and women’s shelter organizations and those in need.  In the last few years, over 30,000 pounds have been donated. Volunteers, many with disadvantages help plant, weed, and harvest in the garden are also given produce as available.  In June 2022, a 30’ x 72’ Hoop house was donated to Santa’s Camp and Wonderland to be used in the garden program.  It will be constructed and converted into a greenhouse by adding heating, ventilation, electricity and water to start operations in 2024.  The greenhouse will be used to start and grow plants to be used in the Hope Garden Program with excess plants being donated to individuals or organizations growing produce etc. to be given to helping those in need.  Freewill donations will also be accepted to help offset the operating costs of the garden program.

The Glamping/Camp Program will be started in 2024.  The glamping tents which accommodate 4 to 10 people and eventually Tiny Houses will be installed to house families with a disabled child or adult to just have fun at no cost or a free will donation.  Additionally, families or individuals will be able to rent the glamping tents to help offset the costs associated with families that have a disabled child or adult.  The tents will also be available for church groups or other groups that come to volunteer at Santa’s Camp and Wonderland to help at camps or in the garden program.  In the first year one or two glamping tents will be installed with platforms to start the program.  Many costs are associated with the startup of the Glamping/Camp Program including the purchase of tents, tent platforms, craft and art supplies, outdoor equipment, water toys and games for hydrant parties.  Sponsorships are available for tents and platforms along with covering the costs of operating the Glamping/Camp Program.