Volunteers Needed as ‘Substitutes for Santa’ on December 3

Volunteers interested in providing a holiday experience for local children on Dec. 3, 2024, are encouraged to register for Substitutes for Santa, an annual charity event hosted by Grand Strand Young Professionals (GSYP) in partnership with SOS Care.

During the special event, 150 Horry County children will enjoy an afternoon of fun and games at the Fun Warehouse, followed by a shopping excursion at Walmart in Surfside Beach. Volunteers will help each child pick out $100 worth of gifts and provide them with essential household items.

“For this one-of-a-kind holiday tradition, our incredible volunteers step into Santa’s boots to ensure these special children experience the joy of the season. Thanks to the generous sponsors and fundraiser supporters, we’re able to make a meaningful impact in their lives,” said Cindy Gettig, Executive Vice President of Business Development for the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, which oversees GSYP.

GSYP collaborates with Horry County Schools to identify elementary-aged students who would benefit from the program. After the gifts are purchased, Two Men and A Truck assists with delivering them to schools, where they are distributed to families. Community members interested in volunteering can visit GrandStrandYoungProfessionals.com to complete the required Background Check form.

The presenting sponsors for this year’s Substitutes for Santa event are Anderson Brothers Bank, Capital Waste Services, Grand Strand Optimist Club, and Pure Green Land Group.

Additional sponsors include Auntie Anne's, Big Air, Black Dog Running, Carolina Home Exteriors, Carolina Limo, Carolina Wealth Advisors, Corning Credit Union, CRM, Edward Jones - Jason Toy, First Reliance Bank, Food Lion, Fully Promoted, Fun Warehouse, Grand Anchor Insurance, Grand Palms Resort, Grand Strand Health, Happy Teeth Dental, Heyd and Co., Kelly O'Brian State Farm, Meher Spiritual Center, Myrtle Beach Wedding Officiant, Native Sons, Palmetto Protection Film, Pizza Hut, Santee Cooper, Sexton Dental, South Atlantic Bank, Two Men and A Truck, United Bank, United Community Bank, Walmart, and Winslow Law.