A Visit From Saint Nicholas
A Visit from Saint Nicholas is a celebration that rallies the community around the students of “challenged” elementary schools. The stated purpose of the day is to promote literacy, but its real success lies in the fact that the day simply cannot be matched for fun.

One morning in December, thousands of children who attend “challenged” elementary schools arrive to find their doors and hallways covered in gold tinsel. As they enter their classrooms, curiosity turns to sheer excitement. At each desk is a colorful backpack filled with books and toys. Finally, the students get to listen to a story that celebrates the life of Saint Nicholas, a story        based on the European tradition that celebrates anonymous giving.

Keep in mind that 70% of the children in the selected schools are on a free or subsidized lunch plan.  This makes it more than likely that they receive few gifts during the season other than the ones in their backpacks.

This event offers excellent group volunteer opportunities for sponsoring corporations: employee volunteers will stuff and box backpacks at the Backpacking Party, decorate hallways and classrooms and deposit the backpacks at the schools the evening before the event. In addition, these volunteers receive the joy and delight of reading to the kids and joining in on the celebration.

For your contribution of $25 for each sponsored child, HandsOn Jacksonville will send a festive holiday card to each person on your list acknowledging your gift in their name or in memory/honor of someone special. Please click Share the Joy!, download and complete the donor information requested and mail to us at HOJ.

For individuals and corporations interested in supporting this event through sponsorships and employee volunteering, please fill out the form below. 

Saint Nicholas Sponsorship Form

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$10,000 Gold Wing Corporate Sponsor:   providing A Visit From Saint Nicholas for an entire school
$5,000 Silver Wing Corporate Sponsor:  providing A Visit From Saint Nicholas for half a school
$1,000 Red Wing Sponsor:  providing partial funds for A Visit From Saint Nicholas in one school
Backpack Sponsor:  providing backpack(s) for child(ren) at $25 per child
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