Who is Friends of Santa?

Friends of Santa is a special group of friends in the East Cooper area that enjoy coordinating efforts for supporting others during hard times. Santa has always been known for his gift-giving abilities, and this particular group of friends enjoys replicating Santa’s acts of kindness on a local level. Friends of Santa is a non-profit organization made up of people and local businesses that donate products, services and time. We have no paid employees, as we are all volunteers. Proceeds generated assist families in need in East Cooper.

History

For over 30 years, Friends of Santa has helped individuals and families in need in the East Cooper area. We have assisted with food, shelter, clothing, household appliances, payment of utility bills, etc. Mutliple local families are “adopted” during the holiday season as well. Since our early beginning, we have helped countless families and children, and our commitment to this great cause is stronger than ever.

How it Works

Donations are received from the community on a year-round basis from individuals, families, and local businesses. We currently have two major fundraisers each year to also assist in generating proceeds and tangible gift-giving efforts for our local families.

The annual “Christmas Party/Dance” occurs during the summer, and the Toy Drive event is held during the holiday season. The “Christmas Party/Dance” is our largest fundraiser and provides dynamic live musical entertainment, professional catering, and a silent auction. Various sponsorship levels are offered and receive special recognition during the event. Proceeds received for this night of celebration are used throughout the year to help our local families.

The annual Toy Drive involves a fun evening of fellowship and gift-giving by attendees. Toys are requested for children of all ages, and are used for distribution to the families we adopt during the holidays. Monetary donations are also accepted for this event.

Officers

Jane Onkotz

Secretary
Jane graduated from Spartanburg High School. Continued her education in Medical records CPT coding through AHIMA  CCHIIM.  Retired from the Medical University of South Carolina in inpatient hospital coding.

Randy Jones

President & Treasurer
Randy Jones graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1971 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following 6 years of destroyer duty as a U S Navy officer, he returned to USC and received a MBA. After 41 years of sales in commercial air conditioning, he sold the Chapman Company, and retired in 2021. He remains active in ASHRAE, the technical society for engineers in the heating and air conditioning industry. He is an active member of All Saints Lutheran church in Mt Pleasant SC.

Nancy Chilton

Vice President
Nancy graduated cum laude in 2001 with a B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh; double major in Finance and Accounting. She graduated in 2006 with her MBA from The Citadel. She is a Certified Public Accountant.   She currently serves as the VP, Finance for BGI, LLC.