Inky Santa’s Toy Drive, Inc., is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing assistance during the holiday season to children of families in the Nantucket community. Respecting the dignity of those in need and sharing the spirit of the holidays is central to our purpose. The confidentiality of the recipients is a top priority. Inky Santa relies on financial donations (we have moved away from unwrapped toys as many didn’t align with the needs) from the general public to support these efforts. The program is open to anyone who asks for assistance (forms are distributed via the schools, churches, food pantry and family assisted organizations) and there is no income verification; the need can be an emotional or circumstantial one, rather than financial. Inky Santa welcomes and supports community members to volunteer by donating, helping to wrap toys or assisting the board with various tasks.
Founded by Nantucket firefighter Tom Holden and his wife Betsy as a U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots affiliate in 1988, the charity partnered with The Inquirer and Mirror in its second year. The name changed to Inky Santa’s Toy Drive, Inc., in 2005. It was necessary to change the name in order for the organization to remain strictly local (and not be required to participate in the larger Marine Corps program which would have diverted funds to other towns). Inky Santa’s Toy Drive has been overseen by a volunteer board of directors since its inception.
Atlantic East is a long-time proud supporter of Inky Santa. Please consider joining us!
