Grand Strand Young Professionals, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Hosts Substitutes for Santa on December 2
Members of the Grand Strand Young Professionals (GSYP) and the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) came together on Dec. 2 to provide a holiday experience for local children during the annual Substitutes for Santa charity event.
Hosted by GSYP in partnership with SOS Care, the heartfelt evening brought together nearly 150 children from across Horry County to enjoy an afternoon of fun and games at the Fun Warehouse, followed by a shopping excursion at Walmart in Surfside Beach.
Volunteers helped each child pick out $100 worth of gifts and provided them with essential household items.
“For this one-of-a-kind holiday tradition, our incredible volunteers step into Santa’s boots to ensure these special children experience the joy of the season. Thanks to the generous sponsors and fundraiser supporters, we’re able to make a meaningful impact in their lives,” said Cindy Gettig, MBACC Executive Vice President of Business Development.
The scale of Substitutes for Santa underscores its role as one of the region’s most impactful holiday outreach efforts, gathering together business leaders, young professionals and community partners to deliver direct support to families. The evening brings a special joy to the children as they get to play the games at Fun Warehouse with their friends, and have the special opportunity to shop and choose their own gifts. The coordinated effort between GSYP, MBACC, SOS Care, local schools, and an extensive network of sponsors showcases how the Grand Strand business community works together to build a better beach for everyone.
GSYP collaborates with Horry County Schools to identify elementary-aged students who would benefit from the program. After the gifts were purchased, Two Men and A Truck assisted with delivering the toys back to schools, where they are distributed to families.
The presenting sponsors for this year’s Substitutes for Santa event are Benjamin Franklin, Capital Waste Services, Grand Strand Health, Grand Strand Optimist Club, and Pure Green Land Group.
Additional sponsors include Auntie Annes, Big Air Trampoline Park, Black Dog Running, Buffalo Wild Wings, Carolina Home Exteriors, Carolina Limousine and Coach, Coastal Outdoor Advertising, Corning Credit Union, Crooked Hammock, First Reliance Bank, Food Lion, Fun Warehouse, Fully Promoted, Garden City Realty, Grand Anchor Insurance, Grand Palms Resort, Handley’s Pub and Grub, Happy Teeth Dental, House of Blues, Infoquest HR, Kiwanis Club of Myrtle Beach, Lanes Pest Control, The Landing at Grande Dunes, Meher Spiritual Center, Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Myrtle Beach Wedding Officiant, Native Sons, Pizza Hut, Rustic Roast, Santee Cooper, Sexton Dental, Two Men and A Truck, United Bank, Walmart, and Wonderworks.
