Santa's Workshop Volunteers 2026

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Santa's Workshop Event on December 5, 2026! Please see below for additional event details and volunteering assignments.

  • Santa's Workshop is an annual event where families served by the Los Angeles County Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) are invited to campus for lunch, arts & crafts, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus! It's an amazing experience for the children, and we can't do it without you.

    Event Details

    • Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
    • Location: CDHP Esplanade
    • Volunteer Hours: 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
    • Event Hours (guests attending): 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

    Volunteer Schedule

    • 8:30–9:30 a.m.: Set-up (all volunteers)
    • 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.: Event with your assigned team
    • 1:00–1:30 p.m.: Clean-up (all volunteers)

    Please note: Guests begin arriving at 10:00 a.m., so all set-up must be completed by 9:30 a.m.

    Volunteer Opportunities

    Volunteer spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. You'll receive an email once you've been assigned, and your team leader will follow up with more details.

    All volunteers will receive a free lunch. Thank you in advance for your time!

    Volunteering for this event may count towards Service Learning/Volunteer Hours for your college. Please contact your college's coordinator to confirm.

  • Volunteer Teams

    ALL VOLUNTEERS: Set-Up & Clean-Up
    Every volunteer is expected to help with set-up (8:30–9:30 a.m.) and clean-up (1:00–1:30 p.m.), in addition to their assigned team. Please plan to stay for the full event.

    • Set up tents and tables
    • Decorate the event areas
    • Put away decorations and supplies, and help clean up after the event

    Choose Your Team
    During the event (10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.), you'll be assigned to one of the following teams:

    1. Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus

    • Prepare the photo area for Santa and Mrs. Claus with chairs, decorations, a tree and more
    • Line up guests and help take their photos on their own phones (printed photos will not be provided)
    • Pass out small gifts and goodies, if available
    • Make sure Santa and Mrs. Claus have water and anything else they need

    2. Food Team

    • Help unload food when it arrives on campus
    • Set up and organize the food table
    • Serve guests their choice of food
    • Clean up food stations and dining areas

    3. Arts & Crafts Team

    Run a craft table and help children with their projects. Tables include:

    • Cookie Decorating
    • Face Painting
    • Gift Bag Decorating
    • Ornaments
    • Necklaces
    • Magnet Crafts

  • Volunteer Info

  • Please note: Teams are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If you'd like to be on the same team as a friend, we encourage you both to sign up at the same time.

  • We appreciate all of our volunteers, but priority is given to students as this is historically a student-led event.
  • I would like to work on the following team:
  • If you have a food allergy or dietary restriction, please let us know so we can plan ahead.
  • E.g. You arrive later than the designated start time or leave early
  • Collage of WesternU student volunteers at Santa's Workshop: volunteers in festive hats making ornaments at a craft table, volunteers posing with Santa and Mrs. Claus in front of the Santa's Workshop photo backdrop, two volunteers in holiday sweaters holding gift bags, and a large group photo of volunteers under a decorated tent.

    Sincerely,

    Student Life & Student Leadership and the Executive Student Government Association