(Updated 10/27/2015) One of the longest continuously running initiatives of the AFRO-American Newspapers is the Ms. Santa program. Started in 1922 by the founder of the paper, John H. Murphy Sr.. For over 90 years the Ms. Santa program has served as an integral part of The AFRO’s legacy of serving the community’s less fortunate, in this case, with food, clothes, books and toys for the children. This December will mark 15 years for Diane Hocker, the AFRO’s director of Community and Public relations, who is the current Ms. Santa.
This year Ms. Santa, with the help of her sponsor, Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE), will expand the program by hosting a holiday party which will be held at the Reginald F. Lewis African American History Museum on Dec. 8 in Baltimore. Ms. Santa and the sponsors will meet the families they are aiding as well as host a fun-filled day for the children with entertainment and activities for all ages.
Each year families across the state of Maryland write in to Ms. Santa looking for help in making their family’s Christmas the best it can be. Ms. Santa tries to make sure each family has food and gifts for the holiday season. Every year she raises money and items to donate to on average 150 families in need ;and in addition, she also collects toys and books from various organizations that hold their own toy drives to aid in the giving. At the holiday party on December 8, BGE and the other sponsors and contributors will be recognized for making the Ms. Santa program a success.
“One reason the AFRO’s Ms. Santa program has been a success these past 93 years is because generous citizens have been willing to share with their neighbors. Christmas is a time for sharing and giving to others. The AFRO’s Ms. Santa program provides an excellent opportunity for people to do just that. All contributions are tax deductible,” said Hocker.
We urge everyone to contribute toys and monetary gifts to the Ms Santa program. For more information please call Diane Hocker at 410-554-8243 or contact her a dhocker@afro.com
