Central Florida Kids Plead for Safety: Heartfelt Letters to Santa Highlight Urgent Need for Secure Spaces

ORLANDO, Fla. – While children worldwide are busy crafting their wish lists for Santa, hoping for the latest toys under the Christmas tree, some kids in Central Florida have a different kind of request.

In heartfelt messages such as, “Dear Santa, I want to be around people who believe in me,” and “Dear Santa, I want a safe place to play after school,” kids from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida are reaching out to Santa for a secure environment and a promising future.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida are using these letters as part of a campaign to raise awareness and funds for the non-profit organization.

“What’s truly remarkable is that these kids aren’t asking for toys,” explained Jamie Merrill, President and CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida. “They’re seeking mentors who believe in them, supportive adults, opportunities to explore career paths, skill development, and academic success. These are the things they need and envision for the long term, rather than a toy they’ll outgrow in one season.”

The club’s mission is to provide children with a positive and safe environment for learning and growth. Merrill highlights that approximately 13,000 kids across Central Florida engage with a Boys and Girls Club annually, where they receive help from reading and math mentors and take part in activities like music, art, and robotics.

According to Merrill, the cost to support one child each year is about $2,500, yet the club only charges an annual membership fee of around $40.

“Over 50% of the kids that we serve on a daily basis are teenagers. They’re choosing to come to us every single day, which is why they’re asking for this. They’re asking for more career exploration. They’re asking for more opportunities,” said Merrill. “Literacy, as we continue to see rates declining (nationwide), we are having 97% of our children promoted to the next grade level and because they are on track, 100% of our kids are graduating high school every single year.”

To learn more about the Boys and Girls Clubs’ Dear Santa letters and how you can help out, head to giving.bgccf.org/page/givegreat2025.