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WesternU / University Student Affairs / Santa’s Workshop

Santa’s Workshop

Stacks of wrapped Christmas presents and toys on tables, with festive decorations and a fireplace in the background. Text reads: "Santa's Workshop Sponsor A Child!.

SANTA’S WORKSHOP 35th Annual

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 University Student Affairs (USA), will proudly host the 35th 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.

A group of people in festive attire pose with Santa Claus under a red tent decorated with stockings and ornaments.

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!

Get Involved Today!

Whether you sponsor a child, donate giveaway items, or volunteer, your support helps bring holiday joy to every family.
A group of people standing in a room with boxes of gifts ready to give to DCFS.
Sponsor a Child

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 to campus by November 24, 2025 by 4pm.

Two people dressed as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus sit in front of a festive Santa’s Workshop backdrop with Christmas decorations around them.
Make a Monetary Donation!

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 2025, and any unused funds will go directly towards the event and future Santa’s Workshops to ensure the tradition continues!

Four women sit at a table covered with Christmas crafts and decorations. Two of them wear festive hats, and all are smiling at the camera.
Giveaway Items – Email USA

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 studentaffairs@westernu.edu

Two women stand behind a table with toothpaste and toothbrushes, holding up packets labeled with a cartoon dental care logo.

STUDENT Volunteers

Santa’s Workshop would not be possible without student volunteers. We invite you to be part of the fun by lending a hand on the day of the event. Keep an eye on your email for sign up details and ways to get involved!
Contact University Student Affairs
A person dressed as Santa Claus sits near a decorated Christmas tree and wrapped gifts while a group of people gather in a dimly lit room.

Since 1990: A WesternU Tradition

Santa’s Workshop began with the WesternU DO Class of 1994. What started as a student-led effort has grown into a beloved tradition that continues to bring joy to hundreds of children and families each year.
The History of Santa’s Workshop

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 University Student Affairs | studentaffairs@westernu.edu