‘Project Santa’ is coming to town!

It’s a holiday tradition that many of us take for granted: opening presents on Christmas morning. But, not every child has a gift waiting for them under the tree. Project Santa is looking to change that, by granting Christmas wishes for foster children in Monterey County.

“We’re finding that the presents that Project Santa will supply these children, are sometimes the only presents that they’ll have under the tree,” said Director of the Foster and Kinship Care Program at Hartnell College, Margie Wiebusch.

Margie Wiebusch and Susan Derichsweiler help facilitate Project Santa at Hartnell College, every year. Their jobs led them to adopt their own children, who had previously been in foster care. Their kids are already learning about the joys of giving, this holiday season. “We’re giving presents, like books, to kids that really need them,” said Susan’s son, James.

Margie and Susan said they looked to their kids as inspiration when making the Project Santa wishlist. “Legos is big. Easy bake oven. The older kids are loving gift cards. Sometimes they just want new tennis shoes. Headphones. Many times they aren’t wanting anything that’s that expensive. They just want to be opening a present on Christmas,” said Wiebusch.

Ornaments with these Christmas wishes can be found in businesses and organizations around Monterey County.

“For me if we could do that for one child, that could change their memory from something bad to something good, I think it’s all worth it,” said Wiebusch.

December 3rd-7th, at 5 and 6pm, on KION, you can call 831-748-6321 to “Adopt a Child” and grant their wish, this holiday season.