Operation Santa 2025 - Spreading Holiday Magic to Iowa’s Foster Families

Operation Santa is back for 2025 with a mission that’s bigger and brighter than ever. This heartwarming initiative brings the spirit of Christmas to foster, kinship, and adoptive families across Iowa—ensuring that every child feels the joy, wonder, and inclusion of the holiday season.

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Growing Impact Across Iowa

What began as a local effort in Des Moines has grown into a statewide movement. In 2023, we brought holiday cheer to over 465 children and 240 families. In 2024, thanks to the support of our incredible community and partners, more than 2,800 children across Iowa experienced a joyful and inclusive Christmas.

Now, in 2025, we’re reaching even further—uniting communities, volunteers, and organizations across the state to support even more children in foster and kinship care.

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How We Make the Holidays Special

Operation Santa is a collaboration of nonprofits and other local agencies that partner together to:

• 🎁 Fulfill personalized wish lists for children and teens

• 🎉 Host festive holiday parties across Iowa

• 🤝 Bring together foster, kinship, and biological families to celebrate

• 💖 Create moments of joy and connection that last long after the season ends

 

Whether it’s a new book, a warm winter coat, or a teen’s first pair of headphones, every gift is a reminder that someone cares.

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You Can Make the Magic Happen

Community support is what powers Operation Santa. Here’s how you can help:

• Purchase a gift from a child’s wish list

• Sponsor a child or family with a financial donation

• Spread the word and encourage others to join the cause​

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Together, we can show Iowa’s foster children that they are seen and loved.

 

Join Us

Be a part of something meaningful this holiday season. Let’s make Christmas brighter—one child, one wish, one act of kindness at a time.

 

Operation Santa 2025

Bringing Joy. Building Belonging. Creating Memories.

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