The wish lists are simple -- wallets, fanny packs and backpacks, to name a few. And in the case of a monetary donation, every dollar counts.

Omaha's Child Saving Institute, now in its 132nd year, is kicking off its annual Substitute Santa fundraising campaign. The organization helps those in need, from infants to young adults, providing support to more than 3,000 children and families each year. As the holidays approach and the year comes to a close, the needs of those in the community continue. This year, CSI strives to raise $350,000 before the end of the year to ensure all local children and their families have a happy, safe and hopeful holiday season.

Donations made to CSI on Giving Tuesday (Dec. 3), and beyond, help support the agency's programming, which includes early childhood development; comprehensive mental health therapy services; teen and young parenting programs; domestic violence recovery support groups; school and family enrichment; and critical response efforts during triage and crisis situations, among many others.

"The true magic of the season comes from the kindness and warmth of our community," said Jaymes Sime, president and CEO of Child Saving Institute. "Our Substitute Santa campaign is a testament to the power of collective giving, ensuring local children and youth can experience healing and brighter days while knowing they are not alone during the holidays."

There are several ways to support CSI this season. Individuals can make a donation at shareomaha.org as part of Giving Tuesday, the annual National Day of Giving on Dec. 3. Visitors to the SHARE Omaha site can select CSI from the drop-down list of participating nonprofits to donate. This option is great if donors are making contributions to multiple organizations as part of Giving Tuesday. Donations made on Giving Tuesday have an even larger impact on the organization, as CharterWest Bank will match gifts to CSI on Dec. 3.

"Every gift matters," said Chelsey Haas, vice president of marketing for CSI. "No donation is too small and every dollar benefits local children and their families. Anyone can become a Substitute Santa this year and join us in supporting our neighbors whether next door, down the street or across town. Our hope is for every child to have a happy holiday and be able to enjoy the magic of the season."

Donors can also make a one-time or recurring donation directly through the CSI website (childsaving.org). No matter which method is used to make a donation, each contributor to the organization between now and the end of the year will automatically be honored as a CSI Substitute Santa.

Individuals interested in purchasing items from the wish list, which can be found on the CSI website, are asked to drop off donations Dec. 4 through 6 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the CSI office at 4545 Dodge Street. During those days, volunteers will be on hand to accept the items, which will then be sorted and delivered to the families receiving services from CSI.

CSI would like to thank its corporate sponsor, Scheels, for helping make the campaign possible.

For more information on CSI, how to become a Substitute Santa or participate in Giving Tuesday, please visit childsaving.org.

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