Santa’s Workshop
36th Annual SANTA’S WORKSHOP
Every child on our list will receive a personalized gift from you! Social workers meet with each family to create thoughtful wish lists, so it is important that each child is sponsored. Click here to view the requested items and choose a child to sponsor! All gifts must be wrapped, labeled, and delivered (or mailed) to the Office of Student Life and Student Leadership (located in the Student Services Center) by November 24, 2026 by 4pm.
If you are unable to shop for a child, your donation can still make a big difference. Each contribution goes directly toward the event and helps provide gifts for children who are not yet sponsored. Our goal is to raise $5,000 for 2026, and any unused funds will go directly towards the event and future Santa’s Workshops to ensure the tradition continues!
In addition to sponsoring a child, you can help by donating fun giveaway items for families to enjoy during Santa’s Workshop. Suggested items include craft kits, small denomination gift cards, candy canes or packaged candy, crayons, and coloring books! Have an idea or a donation to contribute? Please email studentlife@westernu.edu
NEW THIS YEAR
A Simpler Way to Sponsor a Child
We have teamed up with WesternU’s IT department to refresh how sponsorships work for Santa’s Workshop. The new “Sponsor a Child Portal” makes it easier for you to find the right child and helps us make sure every gift is accounted for! Our new portal is an efficient and secure way to ensure that every child on our list receives a gift this Holiday Season!
How It Works
1
Visit the Portal
Visit the Sponsor a Child Portal to view the list of children, make a monetary donation, and more!
2
Find a Child to Sponsor
Filter by age, gender, or gift ideas to find a wish list that speaks to you, then select the child to sponsor them. You will fill in your information to confirm your sponsorship.
3
Check Your Email
You’ll receive a confirmation email from studentlife@westernu.edu with your child’s information and drop-off or mailing instructions. Keep this handy while you shop and label your gift.
4
Deliver & Confirm
Drop off your wrapped, labeled gift by November 24, 2026 at 4 pm at the Office of Student Life and Student Leadership (located in Student Services Center), then confirm delivery in the email or sponsor portal so we know it’s ready!
That’s it! In just four simple steps, you have helped make the season brighter for a child in our community.
Questions about the new sponsor portal? Contact Student Life & Student Leadership at studentlife@westernu.edu.
About Santa’s Workshop
During this Holiday Season, WesternU’s Student Government Association (SGA), in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and Student Life & Student Leadership (SLL), will proudly host the 36th Annual Santa’s Workshop.
Each year, this cherished tradition brings holiday joy to more than 250 foster children and young adults in the community! For many, the gift they receive through this program is their only holiday present. In a season that can be especially difficult for families facing challenges, we remain committed to carrying out this event as part of WesternU’s mission of compassion, humanism, and empathy.
Social workers will continue to hand-deliver personalized gifts to every child, ensuring that transportation barriers do not prevent anyone from receiving their present. In addition, WesternU volunteers will host an on-campus celebration filled with crafts, lunch, toys, and holiday cheer. Any unclaimed items will be distributed by DCFS social workers directly to families.
It is only with the support of our WesternU community that we are able to make the season brighter for every child on the list!
STUDENT Volunteers
Volunteering for this event may count towards Service Learning/Volunteer Hours for your college. Please contact your college’s coordinator to confirm.
Use the link below to sign up to volunteer for the event!
Since 1990: A WesternU Tradition
This event is not a WesternU fundraising activity. Any monetary contributions or donated presents will directly benefit the children within the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) system. In the event that a child does not attend, your generous gift donation will still benefit a child in need through a local charity.
Questions? Contact Student Life & Student Leadership| studentlife@westernu.edu