History of
History of
Helping Children For Over 75 Years
1946: Recognizing a Need
The Santa Clothes Club was organized in 1946 to provide new clothing for needy youngsters in the Tri-State who would not otherwise be warmly clothed. Its founders were Dick Anderson, the Sports Editor for the Evansville Press, and Don Menke, then Manager of WEOA Radio (now WIKY).Charter members Sam Medlicott, Executive Director of the YMCA; Eddie Edwards, Youth Director of the YMCA; and Meyer Siegel, owner of Siegel’s Men’s Store, screened the children referred by schools or civic groups, purchased the clothing, and distributed it to the children at a YMCA party a few days before Christmas each year.
1946: Recognizing a Need
The Santa Clothes Club was organized in 1946 to provide new clothing for needy youngsters in the Tri-State who would not otherwise be warmly clothed. Its founders were Dick Anderson, the Sports Editor for the Evansville Press, and Don Menke, then Manager of WEOA Radio (now WIKY).Charter members Sam Medlicott, Executive Director of the YMCA; Eddie Edwards, Youth Director of the YMCA; and Meyer Siegel, owner of Siegel’s Men’s Store, screened the children referred by schools or civic groups, purchased the clothing, and distributed it to the children at a YMCA party a few days before Christmas each year.
1946: Recognizing a Need
The Santa Clothes Club was organized in 1946 to provide new clothing for needy youngsters in the Tri-State who would not otherwise be warmly clothed. Its founders were Dick Anderson, the Sports Editor for the Evansville Press, and Don Menke, then Manager of WEOA Radio (now WIKY).Charter members Sam Medlicott, Executive Director of the YMCA; Eddie Edwards, Youth Director of the YMCA; and Meyer Siegel, owner of Siegel’s Men’s Store, screened the children referred by schools or civic groups, purchased the clothing, and distributed it to the children at a YMCA party a few days before Christmas each year.
1946: Recognizing a Need
The Santa Clothes Club was organized in 1946 to provide new clothing for needy youngsters in the Tri-State who would not otherwise be warmly clothed. Its founders were Dick Anderson, the Sports Editor for the Evansville Press, and Don Menke, then Manager of WEOA Radio (now WIKY).Charter members Sam Medlicott, Executive Director of the YMCA; Eddie Edwards, Youth Director of the YMCA; and Meyer Siegel, owner of Siegel’s Men’s Store, screened the children referred by schools or civic groups, purchased the clothing, and distributed it to the children at a YMCA party a few days before Christmas each year.
The Early Years
From 1946 to 1953, The Santa Clothes Club broadcast was presented annually on WEOA Radio. With the increasing popularity of television in the 1950s, a fundraising telethon began broadcasting on WEHT in 1954. For more than 60 years, WEHT has hosted this telethon in early December, utilizing their on-air talent. The entire broadcast, from on-air talent to camera operators to phone bank operators, is staffed entirely by volunteers. Every dollar generated through the telethon is used to purchase clothing, with any miscellaneous expenses being absorbed by participating individuals, groups, and the television station.
The Early Years
The Early Years
From 1946 to 1953, The Santa Clothes Club broadcast was presented annually on WEOA Radio. With the increasing popularity of television in the 1950s, a fundraising telethon began broadcasting on WEHT in 1954. For more than 60 years, WEHT has hosted this telethon in early December, utilizing their on-air talent. The entire broadcast, from on-air talent to camera operators to phone bank operators, is staffed entirely by volunteers. Every dollar generated through the telethon is used to purchase clothing, with any miscellaneous expenses being absorbed by participating individuals, groups, and the television station.
The Early Years
From 1946 to 1953, The Santa Clothes Club broadcast was presented annually on WEOA Radio. With the increasing popularity of television in the 1950s, a fundraising telethon began broadcasting on WEHT in 1954. For more than 60 years, WEHT has hosted this telethon in early December, utilizing their on-air talent. The entire broadcast, from on-air talent to camera operators to phone bank operators, is staffed entirely by volunteers. Every dollar generated through the telethon is used to purchase clothing, with any miscellaneous expenses being absorbed by participating individuals, groups, and the television station.
Expanding Our Vision
In November 1981, after 35 years of operation as a charitable cause, the Santa Clothes Club was legally incorporated as a non-profit in Indiana. Shortly after, the organization’s officers and a board of directors were elected in January 1982. Before the election, many of the newfound board members had dedicated time to the cause. This group is the core of the volunteers who oversee the annual fund drive, including soliciting funds, obtaining the names and addresses of needy children, purchasing and distributing clothing, producing the telethon, and other community programs. Planning and coordinating this project is a yearlong effort.
Expanding Our Vision
In November 1981, after 35 years of operation as a charitable cause, the Santa Clothes Club was legally incorporated as a non-profit in Indiana. Shortly after, the organization’s officers and a board of directors were elected in January 1982. Before the election, many of the newfound board members had dedicated time to the cause. This group is the core of the volunteers who oversee the annual fund drive, including soliciting funds, obtaining the names and addresses of needy children, purchasing and distributing clothing, producing the telethon, and other community programs. Planning and coordinating this project is a yearlong effort.
Expanding Our Vision
Expanding Our Vision
In November 1981, after 35 years of operation as a charitable cause, the Santa Clothes Club was legally incorporated as a non-profit in Indiana. Shortly after, the organization’s officers and a board of directors were elected in January 1982. Before the election, many of the newfound board members had dedicated time to the cause. This group is the core of the volunteers who oversee the annual fund drive, including soliciting funds, obtaining the names and addresses of needy children, purchasing and distributing clothing, producing the telethon, and other community programs. Planning and coordinating this project is a yearlong effort.
Helping Kids in Need
Information on the children is compiled by the counselors from schools, church groups, civic organizations and private referrals. Counties serviced by the organization are Vanderburgh, Warrick, Gibson, Posey and in Indiana and Henderson County in Kentucky. Certificates are mailed to the children in grades K thru 6 to be redeemed at Super Wal-Mart, on Evansville’s Eastside, for a complete set of clothing – 1 pair of jeans, 1 shirt/top, 9-pack of underwear, 10-pack of socks, gloves, pair of shoes, and a hooded coat.
Information on the children is compiled by the counselors from schools, church groups, civic organizations and private referrals. Counties serviced by the organization are Vanderburgh, Warrick, Gibson, Posey and in Indiana and Henderson County in Kentucky. Certificates are mailed to the children in grades K thru 6 to be redeemed at Super Wal-Mart, on Evansville’s Eastside, for a complete set of clothing – 1 pair of jeans, 1 shirt/top, 9-pack of underwear, 10-pack of socks, gloves, pair of shoes, and a hooded coat.
Helping Kids in Need
Information on the children is compiled by the counselors from schools, church groups, civic organizations and private referrals. Counties serviced by the organization are Vanderburgh, Warrick, Gibson, Posey and in Indiana and Henderson County in Kentucky. Certificates are mailed to the children in grades K thru 6 to be redeemed at Super Wal-Mart, on Evansville’s Eastside, for a complete set of clothing – 1 pair of jeans, 1 shirt/top, 9-pack of underwear, 10-pack of socks, gloves, pair of shoes, and a hooded coat.
We've Come a Long Way
In 1946, our modest goal was to clothe 50 children. We were able to meet that goal, and every year, the numbers continue to grow. Since 1982, the Santa Clothes Club has raised over $7,000,000+ and has clothed over 100,000 children!
The Need Continues
Winter comes every year, and children grow. The need is great, and without your help many children will face the cold without proper clothing.
Make a Donation
Just $100 completely clothes one child with a complete set of clothing – 1 pair of jeans, 1 shirt/top, 9-pack of underwear, 10-pack of socks, gloves, pair of shoes, and a hooded coat.
We've Come a Long Way
In 1946, our modest goal was to clothe 50 children. We were able to meet that goal, and every year, the numbers continue to grow. Since 1982, the Santa Clothes Club has raised over $7,000,000+ and has clothed over 100,000 children!
The Need Continues
Winter comes every year, and children grow. The need is great, and without your help many children will face the cold without proper clothing.
$100 Goes Far!
Just $100 will completely clothe one child with a complete set of winter clothing:
1 pair of jeans
1 shirt/top
9-pack of underwear
10-pack of socks
gloves
pair of shoes
hooded coat.
$100 Goes a Long Way!
Just $100 will completely clothe one child with a complete set of winter clothing!
The Winter Clothing Includes:
1 Pair of Jeans
1 Shirt
9-Pack of Underwear
10-Pack of Socks
1 Pair of Gloves
1 Pair of Shoes
1 Hooded Coat
Make A Donation Today!
Any size donation will help us in our mission to clothe the needy children of the Tri-State