FAQ
Questions we are Often Asked
I took a tag. Now what?
Thank you! Now you: Shop! There should be enough information on the tag to make your selection easy. Return the unwrapped gift, with the tag, to the tree location before the date on the tag. Someone at the front desk will know exactly what to do with it! Enjoy your holiday knowing that you helped!
Why do the gifts need to be returned unwrapped?
We know you would like to make your gift even more special by wrapping it up beautifully. But we need to evaluate every gift that is returned to make sure it is the gift that was requested and that it is brand-new and suitable.
Can I just donate a bunch of new toys, like Toys for Tots?
Our mission is to give kids items that they ask for. While we appreciate the thought, we don't have the space to store gifts that might in the future be requested by a child. Thanks for understanding.
I happen to have a barely-used item that matches the tag I took. Can I donate that?
We require that all gifts be brand-new, just to keep that special, "Santa brought me that!" feeling when it's unwrapped!
I took a tag for a five year old boy, and I would like to include other items that I think he would enjoy. Is that OK?
Of course! But think about taking an additional tag from the tree — every gift that is purchased is one less thing that our volunteers will need to shop for. Also, by buying an item on a tag, you can be sure that the child will want it! And remember, every child will have several tags with other gifts.
I own a business and would love to provide a location for a tree this year!
We look for a few things with regard to our tree locations. Foot traffic is just one part of it. If you and your employees can provide a safe space to place items as they get returned, and you can honor the confidentiality requirement, you may be a good fit! Send us an email if you would like more information: secretsantakka@gmail.com
Why are the trees out so early? I'm barely over Thanksgiving!
We have to allow time for people to shop and return the gifts, and then we take inventory of anything that is still needed. Our volunteers spend a good portion of the holiday season making sure every list is filled. Finally, we like to get the gifts to the families with enough time for them to wrap, etc.
How can I be sure the families are really in need, and live in my community?
Secret Santa was founded originally at the request of the three towns' General Assistance offices, who saw an opportunity to include the public in supporting families at the holidays. The towns still provide the essential service of validating the applicants. While the bulk of the planning, shopping and organizing is done by volunteers, we couldn't do our work without the towns.
I have never heard of the item on the tag. What do I do?
Join the club! A quick Google search is usually all it takes to determine what the item is and where it can be purchased. But don't feel bad if you need to return a tag to its location. We would rather get a tag back and know we have to shop for the item!
I have always chosen tags and shopped for Secret Santa, but this year I am out of town and can't do it. Is there a way I can donate cash instead?
Yes! So glad you asked! We always welcome cash donations, by check or Venmo, which we use to shop for gifts that haven't been returned. Please see our Donate Year-Round page for information about donating!
I've always wondered how to get involved with Secret Santa but you are all anonymous!
We remain anonymous to complete the confidentiality loop. However, even elves have email (elfmail?) addresses and ours is secretsantakka@gmail.com. Please contact us that way if you would like one of us to be in touch about volunteer opportunities!