Glen Ellyn Chamber Santa Letters

2021 Santa Letters: Creative Kids Make Their Pitch

2nd Annual Glen Ellyn Chamber ‘Letters to Santa’ Makes the Holiday Brighter

GLEN ELLYN, Illinois -- The Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce, with ‘elf power’ supplied by local non-profit organizations and funding from the Village of Glen Ellyn, delivered smiles and an autographed letter from Santa to local area children who wrote to Santa. Nearly 1000 letters were ‘mailed’ by children using the dedicated Santa mailbox located in the heart of downtown Glen Ellyn.

The Letters to Santa Mailboxes is in its second year. The goal of the program is to draw families to the area to shop in the stores and restaurants. Many families dressed up for the occasion and took pictures as children mailed their letters to Santa.

Many individuals and organizations contributed to the program. The program was managed by the Chamber and the League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn. Anna Semprevino of Locally Made Design created the Mailbox which was decorated with festive holiday-themed fresh arrangements created and donated by Wheaton Nurseries. The printing was fast-tracked by the House of Graphics. Volunteers from the League of Women Voters, Kiwanis Club, Glen Ellyn Women’s Club and Abundant Children and Family Services assisted Santa in answering the

letters with a personalized note and photo of Santa himself.

“After a year and a half of the pandemic, the children were ready for the holiday break and to make their pitch to Santa for what gifts they would like under the tree,'' said Dawn Smith, Glen Ellyn resident and Executive Director of the Chamber. “Our downtown stores and restaurants are still recovering, so this program also worked to increase foot traffic downtown,” she added. In addition, the Chamber is offering downtown activities at a “Polar Plaza” including a special surface for ice-skating and curling.

“The letters from children were less about the pandemic this year, and more about laying out their case for being on the good list, or offering helpful suggestions to Santa for Christmas gifts,” said Karin Daly, VP of Communications for the Glen Ellyn League of Women Voters who helped sort letters and coordinate volunteers. Lilly from Glen Elly admitted that she had “not been a good girl on Monday or Wednesday,'' but promised she’d be better “for 30 days.” Charelle asked for a “real, magical phone” and Reese was clear that she had been good so pitched Santa for “a puppy and a mermaid.” “Given current infrastructure issues, we were concerned for Santa about some of those requests,” said Daly.

Many children helpfully cut and glued pictures from a catalog or the internet and Cole aided Santa by listing his gift requests and suggested where Santa could source them such as “Bookstore” or “Amazon.” Many children took time to draw detailed pictures for Santa such as Parker who drew himself opening up a surprise gift and being happy with “insert what you got me here” from Santa. (picture included).

Santa, for his part, took note of the children’s wish lists and has returned the letters to the Chamber. Parents can pick up their children’s letters from the Chamber offices before the end of January. Despite volunteer efforts, some letters were not able to be answered because they lacked addresses or last names. The Chamber is making this an annual program, giving children a direct line to Santa Claus every Christmas.

About the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce

The Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce is a service and action organization,

composed of members who invest in the economic, civic and cultural well-being of

the community. Members help support the work of the Chamber, based on their

resources, abilities and interests, with a broad scope of opportunities to serve. The

Chamber is a not for profit organization 501(c) 6 that is wholly funded by

membership dues and events.

Contact for further information

Dawn Smith, Chamber of Commerce (630) 469-0907