Saint Francis and Christmas Never Fail to Deliver Smiles
Once again, Saint Francis Ministries’ Christmas for Kids campaign delivered hope and holiday cheer to hundreds of children in foster care. We are deeply grateful to everyone who worked so hard in December and in the months leading up to the holidays to make this effort such a success.
According to the Foundation, preliminary figures show that the 2025 campaign generated approximately $122,000 in cash and in-kind donations from 215 unique donors, including 20 first-time supporters. At least 43 corporate donors participated, with nine giving at the “Santa” level of $5,000 or more. These numbers are still being finalized and are expected to grow as additional gifts arrive over the coming months.
It’s always important to remember that none of this would be possible without the generous partnership of corporate sponsors, local businesses, faith communities, and individual supporters.
“The success of our Christmas for Kids campaign is a powerful reflection of community at its best,” said Ginny Ellis, Executive Director of Development. “Businesses, organizations, and generous donors across Saint Francis communities united to bring joy, hope, and holiday magic to youth in care and those we serve. We are deeply appreciative of all our donors, especially those who make Christmas for Kids part of their own holiday tradition year after year.”
Some of the many partners who helped make this season special include:
- For the ninth consecutive year, Wheatland Electric Cooperative employees sponsored nearly 100 children across seven Kansas counties through their $1,000 Sharing Success grant.
- The youth group of Trinity United Methodist Church in Salina fulfilled 92 Hope Tree Cards.
- Employees at Standley Systems truly “shopped ’til they dropped,” ensuring that every child served by the Oklahoma City office had gifts to open on Christmas morning. Foster Care Homes Director Kerri Henderson’s son and daughter-in-law—both Standley employees—were instrumental in coordinating the effort.
‘Shop with a Cop’ marks its third year
For the third straight year, Saint Francis Ministries partnered with Scheels® Wichita to give several youth in foster care a special Christmas. Each holiday season, through the “Shop with a Cop” program, Saint Francis selects 10 teens to receive a $500 gift card, provided by Scheels, to use during a private shopping experience before the store opens. Each teen is paired with a Wichita police officer for the shopping spree. This year’s event took place on December 14, with 13 officers participating.
Beyond creating a memorable Christmas, “Shop with a Cop” helps young people build positive connections with law enforcement. Teens may also invite their foster parents and siblings to enjoy treats and spend time in the store’s gaming areas during the event.
“Scheels continues to be an amazing partner for Saint Francis Ministries,” said Shaynna Brown, Foundation Development Officer. “Throughout the year, they donate clothes and shoes, pledge
funds to the Scheels Family Sports Fund at SFM, and support this once-in-a-lifetime event where 10 lucky teens experience a shopping spree. Every year, we meet an incredible group of young people and watch them bond with police officers while rediscovering the joy of childhood.”
Since opening its Wichita store in July 2023, Scheels has made a point of collaborating with local community organizations, including Saint Francis Ministries. This commitment is good news for both the city of Wichita and the children and families we serve. The Saint Francis Foundation is working hard to cultivate a long-term relationship with Scheels so that, together, we can continue bringing healing and hope to children and families.
Partners join Saint Francis in Waco for Community Gathering event
More than 50 community and legislative partners, employees, and members of the Saint Francis Board of Directors gathered on January 29 at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Waco to celebrate Saint Francis Ministries’ successful outcomes in the Texas Panhandle and to reaffirm the organization’s commitment to bringing healing and hope to children and families in Central Texas.
The event featured remarks from William Clark, Chief Executive Officer of Saint Francis Ministries; Cristian Garcia, President of Texas; and Brock Slabach, Chair of the Board of Directors. Rachel Williams, Vice President of Permanency, and Katherine May, Executive Director of In-Home and Prevention Services, also shared how Saint Francis Ministries has helped reduce the number of children entering foster care and supported families in remaining safely together through prevention programs such as Family Centered Treatment® and Texas Home Visiting. Learn more at: www.saintfrancisministries.org/texas
The gathering opened with the debut of a Saint Francis Ministries video highlighting the Torres family, first shown at November’s National Adoption Day celebration in Amarillo. You can view the video here:
