Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

Help us support the children of Collier County during the holidays!

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How It All Began...

In 1988 Nicki Davis and a few generous volunteers adopted one family to bring the spirit of Christmas to their door.

Taking along Santa for the ride and delivering his sack full of toys and clothes for a little girl and her siblings.

Upon their arrival the little girl threw her arms around a jolly fellow in a big red suit!

“Santa I knew you wouldn’t forget me….last year I waited and waited and you didn’t come” she cried.

This true story inspired the mission and The Joy of Giving was born.

Why Donate to the Joy?

100 %

100 percent of every dollar donated goes directly to providing holiday gifts for the children. We have no paid staff and administrative costs are through in-kind donations.

Over 30 Years

The Joy of Giving has been in operation for over 30 years and has partnered with many businesses and organizations to carry out the Joy of Giving’s Mission of providing Joy for the children, families, and volunteers.

1000 Children

The Joy of Giving serves over 1000 Collier County children during the holidays each year allowing them to receive age appropriate clothes, toys, and gifts.

How It All Works

The Joy of Giving is a year round fundraising effort in order to bring families together on one special day in December.

$100,000

Every year over $100,000 is raised to provide holiday assistance to the children of Collier County. Every penny of that money helps purchase gifts for the children or is returned to the North Pole to be used for next year’s event.

1000 Children

While the money is being raised, special community members are busy making “Santa’s List”. Once a child is selected for the list, every child in the family from birth to 17 is added as well. These children are chosen based on need and/or extreme circumstances such as illness, family hardship, and other extenuating circumstances.

400 Families

Over 400 families take part in a one day event in which parent’s come to “shop” from their child’s wish list. No money exchanges hands and a flurry of “elves” help ensure that items purchased are “Under the Christmas Tree” appropriate. Families are also given a free turkey.

Share Our Joy

This event is truly a rewarding day for all as the flurry of volunteers work with parents to provide a magical holiday complete with a turkey dinner for the entire family.

Santa Claus Posing at the Joy of Giving Event | The Joy of Giving supports families in need in Collier County
A proud moment at the Joy of Giving | The Joy of Giving supports families in need in Collier County
Joy of Giving Volunteers Helping Parents Choose Toys | The Joy of Giving supports families in need in Collier County
Carts overfilled with toys at the Joy of Giving Event | The Joy of Giving supports families in need in Collier County
Row of Children's Bikes in Front of a row of Christmas Trees | The Joy of Giving supports families in need in Collier County
Joy of Giving Carts Over Filled With Toys | The Joy of Giving supports families in need in Collier County
Joy of Giving Volunteers Helping with Presents | The Joy of Giving supports families in need in Collier County
Three Joy of Giving Volunteers | The Joy of Giving supports families in need in Collier County
Three Joy of Giving Volunteers | The Joy of Giving supports families in need in Collier County
Parents Shopping for Christmas Presents | The Joy of Giving supports families in need in Collier County
Little girl waiving the American Flag | The Joy of Giving supports families in need in Collier County
Santa and Mrs. Claus with their Elves | The Joy of Giving supports families in need in Collier County
People Shopping for Christmas Presents | The Joy of Giving supports families in need in Collier County
Cart full of Presents and Volunteers | The Joy of Giving supports families in need in Collier County
The elves helping at The Joy of Giving
Two Joy of Giving Volunteers | The Joy of Giving supports families in need in Collier County
Santa and Mrs. Claus at Joy of Giving Event | The Joy of Giving supports families in need in Collier County

How Far Does Your Donation Go?

Our goal is to provide each child with $100 in gifts.

 

  • $25.00 provides a toy for one child
  • $75.00 provides clothing and shoes for one child
  • $100.00 provides a bicycle/helmet/lock for a child
  • $600.00 provides bikes, toys, and clothing for a family
  • $1000.00 enables us to provide assistance for 10 children

 

All donations are welcome and will assist in making wishes come true. Please help us reach our goal of assisting 1000 children for December 2020!

We wish you and your family a healthy and blessed holiday season!

A girl holding a present for Christmas | The Joy of Giving
Mom and Son benefiting from The Joy of Giving

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Our Volunteers

The Joy of Giving would not be possible without the help of our amazing volunteers!

Words From Nicki Davis

The Real Joy of Giving…

I saw God today

In the eyes of a child and the heart of a man as volunteers streamed in with outstretched hands.

 I saw God today

When love walked through the doors their energy so big — Santa & Mrs. Claus!

I saw God today

As we shopped with an angel — little time left on earth, seven years only has it been since her birth.

I saw God today

When 20 feet away stood the store manager his position most days

Today it was different tears in his eyes, and our 3 second connection my tears replied.

It was here I had witnessed God’s presence is love contagious everywhere around and above.

God was there in all we could see

Elf’s they were called

The head one Misty!

Today was the joy for the young and the old

Angels gave gifts but most for the soul!

 

A poem written by Nicki Davis

Nicki Davis is an author / real estate agent who lives on Marco Island with her husband, Doug, and beloved companion, Karma. She is the founder of The Joy of Giving Charity which has provided holiday assistance to over one thousand children annually for over thirty years.  Nicki was awarded the Spirit of Marco Island Award in 2019 for her service to families in need, the Unsung Hero Award in 2016, and the Humanitarian of the Year in 2009. 

Our Community Partners

The Joy of Giving is blessed to have some of the best community support in the world. We thank our local businesses and many individuals for their generosity.