About Us – Undercover Santa

Undercover Santa: Spreading Holiday Cheer and Hope

Undercover Santa is a South Florida-based nonprofit dedicated to bringing joy, hope, and a sense of community to families in need during the holiday season. What started as a single act of kindness on Christmas Eve in 2005 has grown into a beloved charity, serving thousands of children and families across Broward County. Our mission is to ensure that no child goes without the magic of the holidays, and no family feels forgotten.

Since our inception, we have collected and distributed over 10,000 toys, along with countless holiday meals, decorations, and essential supplies to brighten the season for those less fortunate. We partner with local businesses, community organizations, and volunteers to host events like Light Up Sistrunk and Light Up Carter Park, ensuring that our efforts reach every corner of the community.

Our Story

Undercover Santa was born from a simple yet profound moment. On Christmas Eve 2005, Sergeant Bill Schultz responded to a 911 call from a single mother who had no resources to provide Christmas dinner or gifts for her children. Moved by her plight, Bill took it upon himself to gather toys, clothes, decorations, and a grocery certificate for the family, delivering a Christmas they could have never expected. This single act of compassion sparked what would become Undercover Santa, officially founded in 2008.

Through the years, with the help of passionate volunteers and generous donors, Undercover Santa has grown into an annual initiative, collecting and distributing toys, holiday meals, and spreading joy to families in need.

What We Do

Annual Toy Drive: We collect thousands of toys every year for children across Broward County, partnering with local businesses and hosting various toy collection events. These toys are distributed at community events and through our partner organizations, ensuring that every child can experience the magic of the holidays.
Holiday Meal Donations: We believe that the holidays are about more than just gifts, so we also provide groceries and holiday meals to families struggling to make ends meet.
Community Events: Our team organizes events such as Light Up Sistrunk and Light Up Carter Park, spreading holiday cheer throughout the community with music, decorations, and plenty of holiday spirit.
Fundraisers: Events like the Cabaret for a Cause and our VIP holiday afterparties help raise the funds necessary to continue our mission year after year.

Our Board of Directors

PJ Piojda

President & Treasurer
PJ oversees the financial aspects of Undercover Santa, ensuring that every dollar raised goes directly to helping families in need. His careful planning and financial stewardship keep the charity growing year after year.

Rory Cooksey

Vice President
A key leader in our efforts, Rory brings his dedication and creativity to organizing events and fundraising activities that keep Undercover Santa thriving year-round. Rory also oversees growth initiatives and partnerships.

Larry Schwarz

Secretary
Larry ensures that our operations run smoothly, managing everything from communications to planning, and plays an integral role in the logistics behind our events.

Bill Schultz

Board Member
Chief of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and the founder of Undercover Santa, Bill’s heart for the community is what started this entire initiative. His leadership and vision continue to guide our mission.

Brett Seibert

Board Member
Brett's commitment to helping others shines through in his hands-on work with Undercover Santa. From managing toy donations to volunteering at community events, Brett plays a vital role in making sure our efforts reach as many families as possible.

Get Involved

We welcome anyone who shares our passion for giving back to the community. Whether you want to donate toys, volunteer your time, or support us through sponsorship, there are countless ways to make a difference with Undercover Santa.

Join us in spreading holiday joy and ensuring that every child and family in Broward County feels the warmth of the season!

Together, we can make the season brighter for those in need!

For more information or to get involved, please contact us

Name(Required)

Email(Required)

Phone

Comments(Required)

Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.