About Us

Simon and Debbie Micola are the founders of Santa's Pantry. However, Santa's Pantry would not be possible without the help of numerous volunteers that are willing to "Pay It Forward".

Santa's Pantry started in January 2008. The Micola's recognized that there is a real need for help here in the United States and right here in Elkhart. They also recognized the importance of teaching children about helping others and "Paying It Forward" so that we can make the world a better place for our children and their children in the future.

Our name may be a little misleading, we are not a food pantry. However, we work closely with the local food pantries and try to help when we can. During the months of October, November, and Decmber, the food pantries are our main focus. We try to help them get through the holiday season and to be able to help everyone that comes through their doors. The name "Santa's Pantry" came after an experience the Micola's had while volunteering at a food pantry in 2007. They had to refuse someone help because the pantry had ran out of food. Between that experience and the fact that they have been Santa and Mrs. Claus since 1997, the name Santa's Pantry came about.

Our big Pay It Forward event is during November and December. It is "The Deuel Project".(Pronounced dual) We offer to families the chance to bring their children and take pictures with Santa in exchange for food donations. Our intention with this project is to help families with pictures with Santa as well as help local food pantries. This project takes the help of many volunteers as well as businesses to make it a success. Since the launch of this event in November 2008, we have heard many positive comments and thank you's from families and the food pantries. And we have been able to help hundreds of people through this event.

We ask children and their parents to become "Santa's Helpers" (volunteers). Children relate to Santa and the happiness that he brings to them. At the same time as being "Santa Helpers", they are learning a much deeper lesson about helping others. We do not take children without their parents however.

We hold Pay It Forward projects all during the year. Our board of directors are currently working on projects for 2009. We also help groups, organizations and individuals that want to do something but need help in getting started or some ideas of how to help. We do not charge for this. Everything we do is volunteer.

If you would like to get involved and help us to Pay It Forward, please