🎁 Who We are
Christmas Magic was started in 1985 by a father, Charlie Russo, who wanted to teach his children the meaning of giving. What began with shopping for 16 kids in a homeless shelter has grown into a full-fledged nonprofit.
The organization became officially nonprofit in 1990. Over the decades, Christmas Magic has expanded to serve children across Long Island via more than 55 shelters, agencies, churches, schools, and social service programs.
Christmas Magic is funded solely through private donations. There is no paid staff — the “magic” is created by volunteers: shoppers, wrappers, Santas and elves, and community supporters.
❤️ What We Do — Our Programs & Mission
Holiday gifts & wish-fulfillment
Each holiday season, children who are homeless, in shelters, foster care, or otherwise in need are identified via over 50 agencies and social-services partners.
Younger children write letters to Santa; older children submit their own wish lists. Volunteers (“elves”) shop for gifts based on those wishes — meaning each child gets something they actually want or need.
On Christmas, volunteers wrap and deliver gifts, often accompanied by holiday parties where Santas, elves and costumed characters help create a joyful experience for the kids
Inclusion & dignity: Personalized Giving
What distinguishes Christmas Magic is that every child’s wish is honored — even if it’s not a “toy.” Some children ask for practical items (for example, a pair of pants, shoes, or items for other family members). Some use their wish to ask for a stable home, for support for family members, or even hope for safety or reconnection.
This process of wish-lists shows children “we see you, we hear you” — giving them dignity, hope, and the assurance that they matter.
Community involvement & volunteer spirit
Christmas Magic relies entirely on volunteers and community generosity: from individuals, families, churches, schools, businesses, and local groups.
There is no paid staff — meaning nearly 100% of donations go directly to gifts, supplies, and impact.
Back-to-School support: “Back Pack Pirates”
Beyond the holidays, Christmas Magic runs a “Back Pack Pirates” program. Each year they distribute thousands of new backpacks filled with school supplies to homeless or at-risk children ready to begin a new school year.
They also host a summer-camp–style “Pirates” event for many of these children — providing a fun, positive experience (sports, arts/crafts, swimming, treasure hunts) AND leaving kids with school supplies and clothes to start the school year.
✨ Why It Matters
The holidays are often the hardest time for families experiencing homelessness, financial hardship, domestic violence, or instability.
Christmas Magic brings joy, normalcy, and hope to children who might otherwise go without.
By honoring individual wishes — both simple and heartfelt — the organization affirms children’s dignity, individuality, and worth.
The Back Pack Pirates program helps ensure that children don’t just get holiday cheer, but also support for education and a brighter start to their school year.
It builds community solidarity — allowing neighbors, businesses, churches and everyday people to come together and make a concrete difference in a child’s life.
