FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

SWFL Santa Adopters Questions

I adopted a family. What’s next?

• You will receive an email to the address you provided on your registration form within 24 hours.

​What if I have questions about the gifts listed on the Family Wishlist?

• If you require more details or have questions about the items on the Family Wishlist, please email us and we can communicate directly with the adopted family and provide you with any missing information.

Do I need to wrap the gifts?

• We ask that gifts not be wrapped.  This helps us verify that every family member on the list has been included.  This also allows mom to see what the kids are receiving.  Often times she likes to see what the children are receiving so she feels she's had some part in the process.  This also allows her to use any "special" wrapping that "Santa" may use in the home.  If you do want to wrap, we do ask that they are clearly labeled with the family number and the child number.

Can I deliver directly to my adopted family?

• In order to maintain privacy for donors and recipients, A Mom's Helping Hand will distribute your gifts for your family.
  We will begin delivering gifts to families a week and a half before Christmas, so please bring your gifts to one of the drop off locations by Saturday, December 7th. If you are unable to deliver them at that time, let us know and we will arrange with you an alternate date that is convenient for you.

What if I am unable to uphold my commitment to adopt the family?

• Your sacrifice has a tremendous psychological impact on your adopted family.  Should your situation change at the last minute, please call us immediately at 941-999-1046 or email us so that we do not leave a family not being adopted.

When and where should I deliver gifts?

• Gift drop off should be completed within 11 days prior to Christmas.  It’s nice to have presents under the tree for a couple of days before Christmas!  Drop off locations will be emailed once the adoption is processed.  The email will be sent to the email you used when you registered.

What ages do you assist?

• We assist families with children 18 and younger or 21 if in school that can be verified qualify for the SWFL Santa's program.

I cannot adopt a family but would still like to contribute.  How can I help?

• We always appreciate any contribution.  Please visit our Donate page.

Are my donations tax deductible?

• Yes. Please print out our Donation Receipt. Make sure to save and attach your receipts to the Donation Receipt and retain them for your tax purposes.

I signed up to adopt a family more than 24 hours ago and still haven't receive email confirmation.  What should I do?

• Please email us to ensure we received the registration form.  

Applicant Questions

How can I sign up to get my family adopted?

• You need to fill out the Christmas Application.  Once the information is submitted, we will reach out to inform you if your information was approved or denied.  

I missed the application deadline.  Can I apply after the stated date?

• Unfortunately no.  Deadlines are very strict so we have sufficient time to complete the signup process. 

Once I've submitted my application, what is the next step?

• If your application is approved,  you will receive a text or email notification within 24 hours of your registration.  You will receive an appointment for your in person registration.  At this time you will need to bring the following
  • Photo ID of parent
  • Proof of all household income
  • Birth certificate or custody papers for each child
  • Proof of address (electric or water bill OR rental agreement or mortgage)

How long will the in person registration take?

• You should plan on the appointment to take between 30 - 45 minutes, depending on family size.  At this time, your family profile and wishlist will be created.

Is it possible to select a different date for the in person registration?

• Appointments are only available on the date given.  We structure our application dates in order to give you plenty of notice to make arrangements to attend on the date and time scheduled.

Am I guaranteed to become adopted?

• We do our best to ensure every family is adopted.  However cannot guaranteed everyone will be sponsored.  We will notify you once your family has been adopted.  One good way to ensure you are, keep your wishlist realistic.  We have compiled some Wishlist Ideas  These tips and gift request suggestions will help guide our families to create a list that our donors can reasonably deliver.

I am unable to attend on the designated pickup date.  Can an alternative date be selected?

• ​Pickup date and time is firm.  Any gifts not picked up will be redistributed to others in need.  No exceptions will be made for gift acquisitions.