WHAT IS SANTA’S WORKSHOP?

Santa’s Workshop is a private non-profit organization that is operated solely by volunteers. Our mission is to provide toys for military families who are in financial need during the holiday season.  Last year we helped 1,580 families and 3,290 children have a very happy holiday. What sets our organization apart from many others is the family’s ability to come in and shop our shelves for toys that they think their children may like. Families are able to pick out two brand-new toys and one book for each child.  In addition to the toys, each family can also choose one game to promote family time. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Applicants must be active-duty military stationed at Fort Hood, to include active Guard and Reserves; with dependent children between the ages of six months and 12 years by December 25, 2015.

HOW DO FAMILIES APPLY?
Families apply to SWS through the unit Command Financial Specialist (CFS).  Each CFS should coordinate with his/her commander, First Sergeant, the unit’s Chaplain, and Family Readiness Group (FRG) leadership as applicable to ensure that all eligible families are identified and assisted with the application process.  Application forms are available at www.swsforthood.com or by request via email swsforthood@gmail.com All applications must be signed by the unit CFS as well as the applicant and one of the following:  Company Commander, First Sergeant, Chaplain, or Rear Detachment Commander. We do not accept incomplete applications.

WHAT ARE THE GUIDELINES?
Because our priority is the children, we do not set specific income requirements.  Our program is designed for families in financial need regardless of their income level.  Generally, the CFS will sit down with them and review their financial situation and determine their eligibility.  Family members of deployed soldiers are encouraged to apply for the program through the unit’s CFS. There is no limit to the number of applications that may be submitted per unit. 

WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?
Command Financial Specialist: You must establish an internal (Unit) deadline so that applications are turned in to Santa’s Workshop on 26 and 27 October 2015.  

- Santa's Workshop does not accept applications directly from Soldiers. 

- Applications may be accepted after the deadline on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Applications Manager.

WHEN ARE THE SHOPPING APPOINTMENTS? 

The shopping dates for December 7-11 and December 14-18, 2015 are between the hours of 0900 and 1400. Specific Dates and times will be provided to the CFS at Application Turn-In.  All waitlisted families will be notified via their CFS after all other applications are processed.  The CFS will notify families of their individual appointment times/dates.  The family member attending the shopping appointment, whether the soldier or spouse, must show a military ID.  No one can pick up the toys except for the soldier or spouse.   Also, NO CHILDREN are allowed in Santa’s Workshop during the shopping appointment.  Anyone arriving with children will be asked to reschedule his/her appointment. 

WHERE IS SANTA’S WORKSHOP  LOCATED?
We are located in Building 50001, adjacent to the Clear Creek Commissary Entrance and share our facility with the Fort Hood Tax Center.  We are not open all the time so please try to contact us via email: swsforthood@gmail.com

Points of Contact:  

- Becky Inge and Christine Erickson, Applications Managers  

- 254-287-TOYS, FHSWSapplications@gmail.com, or www.swsforthood.com