The Mothers Group Inc.

Our flagship program

The Santa Community Project

The Santa Community Project is a widely acclaimed annual event that promotes books and reading, positive self-image and family interaction among children and their families. An educational initiative of The Mothers Group Inc., the Santa Project features a Black Santa and Mrs. Claus. The jovial couple demonstrates that love, kindness and generosity come in many colors.

The Santa Project is sponsored by The Mothers Group Inc. and the Greenwood Cultural Center.

12,000+

children served since 1989

1989

the year it all began

30+

years of tradition

History

From a child's wish to a Tulsa tradition

The story of how one child's request for a Santa photo sparked a 30-year legacy of literacy and joy.

  1. 1988

    The Mothers Group is founded

    Dr. Brenda Joy Lloyd-Jones and Ms. Tara Ravnell Bradley collaborate to support other women through the exchange of positive information and to expand friendship among members' children.

  2. 1989

    The Santa Project is born

    While attending a function at Rudisill Library, Dr. Joy Lloyd-Jones overhears a child ask her mother for a photo with Santa. Moved by the family's struggle to travel across town, she invites Santa to North Tulsa. Ms. Jayne Reed volunteers to raise funds, and library director Keith Jimmerson agrees to host the event.

  3. Early years

    Standing-room-only at Rudisill Library

    Children fill the library as Santa comes to North Tulsa with a message of love and kindness, presenting each child with a toy.

  4. 1992–1998

    Growth to the Greenwood Cultural Center

    The Santa Project outgrows the library. Greenwood Cultural Center Executive Director Shari Horner Tisdale welcomes the event, providing space for hundreds of children and for local youth performers (choirs, musicians, dancers) to add holiday cheer.

  5. Education focus

    Books and reading take centre stage

    At member Harriet Harris's recommendation, Santa shifts from toys to books and literacy. Families register for library cards at the event; children can win an educational-magazine subscription. Educational objectives become a top priority.

  6. 1989–present

    12,000+ children served

    Since 1989 the Santa Project has attracted over 12,000 children. Generous supporters and Santa's special helpers (John Brown, Jackie Graham, Kenny Monday, Gregory Starks, Walter Tynes, Sylvia Brown, Magdalene Brown-Quayle, Kim Graham, and Cynthia & Michael Pierce) keep the tradition thriving with the Greenwood Cultural Center as cosponsor.

With gratitude

Santa's special helpers

The volunteers and supporters who make the Santa Project possible year after year.

Give the gift of reading

Families receive free books, library-card sign-ups and an opportunity to win an educational magazine.