The Story of Santa America
Santa America: A Legacy of Love, Hope, and Joy
Santa America’s story didn’t begin in a toy-filled workshop or on a snowy Christmas Eve. It started in the quiet halls of an Atlanta, Georgia hospice in June 1999. There, Ernest “Santa Ernest” Berger sat by his beloved wife, Darcy, as she neared the end of her battle with pancreatic cancer. In that same hospice, a small six-room children’s wing housed a tiny baby girl, only months old, her eyes holding both innocence and wisdom, lost too soon to a brain tumor. Each evening, Ernest rocked her gently to sleep. Two days before Darcy passed, the child slipped into eternity. Two families, united by grief. Two souls, gone too soon. From this heartbreak, one man found purpose.
In the early dawn of a summer morning in 2003, Ernest awoke with a vision. He would grow his beard, don a crimson suit, and become a Santa unlike any other—a Santa Hospice Volunteer. His mission: to bring Love, Hope, and Joy to children and families in crisis, every day of the year. Thus, Santa America was born—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to wrapping every child and family facing grief, illness, or hardship in a “Santa Hug,” the embodiment of unconditional love.
The Heart of the Mission
Santa America visits are not fleeting holiday moments. They are profound, unhurried connections—often lasting an hour or more—where Santas sit, listen, laugh, and remind families it’s okay to smile again. Unlike traditional Santa visits, these occur year-round, bringing light to children in hospice, those battling chronic illness, or living with post-traumatic stress and neurodiverse conditions. Our creed is simple: It’s about the children. Every Santa America volunteer—Santas, Mrs. Clauses, Elves, and supporters—carries forward Ernest’s vision: unconditional love delivered through a warm Santa Hug.
A New Chapter:
From Alabama to Kansas to Missouri
In May 2016, after over a decade as Santa America’s founder, Santa Ernest passed the reins and moved the sleigh from Alabama to Overland Park, Kansas. There, Santa John Scheuch and his devoted administrative Elf, Helen Scheuch, became the caretakers of the mission. From their basement, they transformed chaos into order, organizing over 440 files, updating records, and reconnecting with volunteers nationwide. Under John’s leadership, Santa America grew to 119 volunteers across 24 states, with a dream of having a Santa, Mrs. Claus, or Christmas performer in every state. Training symposiums united Santas to share wisdom and strengthen the mission.
In 2024, the sleigh paused briefly. Santa John passed peacefully, leaving a legacy of compassion that continues to inspire. Yet, even in loss, Santa America’s light burns bright.
Today’s Leadership and Tomorrow’s Promise
Santa Kevin Boydston now serves as President of Santa America, with Santa Bill Quasa as Vice President. From the new headquarters in Platte City, Missouri, they steer the organization with faith, humility, and Ernest’s unwavering heart. Santa America remains a volunteer-driven, donor-supported nonprofit. There are no dues or salaries—only hearts committed to giving. Donations fund our signature HUGs, volunteer training, and minimal operational costs to keep the sleigh moving. Our Santas are background-checked, trained, and ready to serve—not with toys, but with presence, peace, and love when it’s needed most.
Forever Wrapped in a Santa Hug
From that first hospice room in Atlanta to homes and hospitals across America, Santa America embodies a timeless truth: Love endures beyond loss. Joy can rise from sorrow. Hope, when shared, changes everything. Every child deserves to feel believed in. Every family deserves Love, Hope, and Joy. Sometimes, all it takes is a HUG.
With Love, Hope, and Joy,
Santa Kevin Boydston
President, Santa America