In 1931, we began funding the Santa Shop, a holiday toy shop supported by individuals and philanthropic organizations to bring joy to those struggling financially during the holiday season. Parents “shopped” with dignity to fulfill their children’s Christmas wishes. Longtime volunteer Orville Whitford saved vacation time so he could take off from his day job yearly to manage the Santa Shop. He and fellow organizer Agnes Beisner loved seeing the joy it brought to more than 4,000 children its first year and chose to volunteer every year afterwards for two decades. The Denver Foundation supported the Santa Shop for more than 50 years.
