The Elf Dispatch Program is a gift giving program for children and teens up to 18 years old.
Every Christmas season, the program takes specific information of every child on its list and asks them what they want from Santa this year.
What the children don’t know is that Santa Claus isn’t the man dressed in red with a white beard — but anonymous people who essentially adopt that child and purchase gifts, so they have something under the tree on Christmas day.
Cindy Chavez is the director of Pantry 279 and doubles as the head elf. She says that this year is the pantry’s biggest yet.
“When we put the list up live on December 2 nd it exploded, and within 2 minutes we had over 30 people," said Chavez
Currently, the program has more than 550 children matched — but there are still 300 that are not.
Chavez says the goal is to get as many kids covered as possible.
“We catch the kids that fall through the cracks--you are fully happy knowing I can actually do this, I can have this ability to fulfill all of these needs," said Chavez.
The Elf Dispatch Program pushes to be more personalized, fun and exciting, and aims to provide a meaningful experience for both the child and their secret Santa.
Cash donations are always accepted and volunteers are always needed.