Spreading Holiday Cheer: 35 Years with the Dear Santa Society!

For the 35th consecutive year, the Dear Santa Society has helped the big guy in the red suit deliver joy, hope, and beautifully wrapped gifts to children and families in need. This heartwarming tradition continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of volunteers, students, and community supporters—one of whom is Earp Cohn attorney Brian Darreff, whose connection with the Dear Santa Society has helped keep the spirit of giving alive.

This year, the large conference room at Earp Cohn transformed into a festive workshop for two special wrapping nights. On the first evening, students from Lenape High School and Holy Cross Academy National Honor Society (NHS) joined in, followed by another group from Lenape NHS on the second night. The atmosphere was filled with holiday cheer, complete with hot chocolate, popcorn, and classic holiday tunes to keep spirits bright. (Brian even tried his hand at wrapping—can you guess what’s inside?)

All gifts, thoughtfully chosen, were beautifully wrapped, tagged with each child’s name—from Santa, of course—and bagged for delivery. In addition to the gifts, families received a container of food and a holiday entrée to ensure a festive meal.

The Dear Santa Society’s delivery day, held annually on the Saturday before Christmas Eve, went off without a hitch—rain, snow, or shine. This year, Brian’s delivery team covered areas in Philadelphia and Camden County, NJ, with the help of his four daughters and their new husbands (both couples newly married in 2024!). Seeing the gratitude of parents and guardians and the joy on children’s faces made the experience all the more meaningful.

A special thanks goes to Earp Cohn for generously providing space and support, allowing this cherished tradition to continue year after year. And, thank you to all the volunteers, students, and families who helped make the season a little brighter for so many.

Check out some of the heartwarming photos of the delivery team, happy parents and guardians, and the children whose holidays were made a little more magical.

Here’s to 35 years of giving, and many more to come!