CITI SANTA INC.

     In 1990 Frank, Ben and Joe were sharing a coffee and while in our 20’s we were feeling privileged and blessed having a career that paid as all modestly yet gave us a sense of deep appreciation.  At that point we agreed it was time to “give back” and help those who were not as blessed. We had heard about The New York Foundling Hospital in NYC and how they were dedicated to helping the underprivileged for over 50 years. Upon simply walking into the front door on Avenue of the Americas we somehow were granted a meeting with the Director. We told her we want to do something to help underprivileged children of NYC around Christmas time. After being asked about our “corporation” “board of directors” “tax exemption” we finally convinced them it was just 3 NYC kids who just wanted to do some good. We agreed we would start in the South Bronx and held our first Santa gift giving at a local McDonalds and the 3 of us gave away toys and Happy Meals to 25 children. 

Over the course of the next 30 years, through nothing but grass root efforts and word of mouth we have grown to become what we are now referred to – The Citi Santa crew.  The growth of the initiative has now spread from the New York Foundling Hospital organizations to HELP Crotona, Mt Carmel in East Harlem as well as Oasis in Paterson New Jersey. Our efforts now impact approximately 1000 children every year and our Citi Santa team has grown to over 20 members and over a hundred generous contributors.