The Amazon Gift List
Choose a requested gift from our Amazon Gift List. You can shop directly from the list without contacting Brandi or Tim first.
Des Moines neighbors · Christmas 2026
Letters
to Santa.
A little Christmas joy,
from your neighbors.
Together, we can help Des Moines-area children with Christmas wishes and everyday needs. One letter, one gift, one kind neighbor at a time.
Hosted this season at Westown Tap & Tapz Pub
Family forms dueDecember 17One sealed form per child
Pickup or agreed deliveryDecember 18–24We'll contact families directly
At the heart of itOur local communityNo purchase or donation required
From a wish to a little wonder
How it works.
Organized by Tim Hartman and Brandi Kay, with a little help from neighbors like you.
A letter starts it.
A parent or guardian returns one private form per child in a sealed envelope by December 17. Letters and drawings are welcome.
Wishes get a code.
We review each form. Approved requests receive anonymous Wish Codes so donors can help without seeing private family details.
Neighbors pitch in.
Donors shop the Amazon Gift List, or coordinate local and off-list gifts with Brandi or Tim first.
Every gift is matched.
We check gifts in and match them to the right Wish Code, keeping requests and donations organized.
Christmas joy heads home.
We contact families to arrange pickup or an agreed delivery between December 18 and 24.
We match as many wishes as possible with the donations received. Specific gifts are not guaranteed, and family contact information always stays private.
For parents & guardians
A little extra help.
A whole lot of care.
If your family could use some support this Christmas, we'd love to hear from you. Tell us about your child's wishes and everyday needs.
One page. Fill it out on your device, then save and print it—or print a blank copy to complete by hand. Use one form per child and return it in a sealed envelope by December 17, 2026.
Need help? Call/text (515) 452-1866 or email Brandi or Tim.
Your family's next steps
- Fill out one form per child.
A parent or guardian completes the form. Add a letter or drawing if your child would like.
- Seal it for privacy.
Return the form in a sealed envelope to either Santa mailbox during business hours by December 17, 2026.
- We'll be in touch.
Keep an eye on the contact information you provide. We'll arrange pickup or an agreed delivery for December 18–24.
Free to take part. Private from the start.
No purchase or donation is required. Please share family details directly with the organizers, never in public comments.
A little kindness goes a long way
Help make a wish happen.
A gift, a roll of wrapping paper, a few hours of your time—there are plenty of ways to be part of the magic.
Choose a gift. Share some joy.
New, unwrapped gifts, books, games, toys, and winter essentials can help meet current requests. Gift cards are welcome, too—ask us which types are needed.
Contact Brandi or Tim before shopping locally or on another website. We'll coordinate the wish, mark it claimed, and arrange drop-off so gifts aren't duplicated.
Coordinate a giftLend a hand.
Help with shopping, wrapping, printing, or organizing as needs arise. Let us know your availability and how you'd like to help.
Volunteer with usBring your people.
Businesses, schools, PTOs, and community groups can organize gifts, supplies, printing, or volunteer support. Contact us before starting a collection.
Plan a group effortSpread the word.
Help families find the project and invite neighbors to join in. Follow Letters to Santa – DSM for updates, then share an invitation with your community.
Follow the projectTwo neighborhood drop-off spots
Find a Santa mailbox.
Sealed family forms and letters go in the mailboxes during business hours. Please bring gifts inside at an arranged drop-off.
Westown Tap
3530 Westown ParkwayWest Des Moines, IA 50266
Daily
11 AM–2 AM
Tapz Pub
8450 Hickman Road, Suite CClive, IA 50325
Monday–Friday · 2 PM–2 AM
Saturday–Sunday · 11 AM–2 AM
Questions about returning a form or planning a gift drop-off? Call/text (515) 452-1866 to confirm the details before your visit.
Good questions. A little clarity.
A few things
to know.
Still wondering about something?
Brandi and Tim are happy to help.
Who is this for?
Letters to Santa – DSM is a community effort for Des Moines-area children whose families could use a little extra help with Christmas wishes and everyday needs. A parent or guardian completes the request form. Contact Brandi or Tim if you have questions about taking part.
Do I need a separate form for each child?
Yes. Use Download family form (PDF) in the For families section to get the one-page form. Complete one form per child and return each in a sealed envelope by December 17, 2026. A child's letter or drawing can go inside, too. Call or email Brandi or Tim if you need help getting a form.
Can I fill out the form on my device?
Yes. Download the fillable PDF, enter your information on your device, then save your copy and print it. You can also print a blank form and complete it by hand. Return the completed form in a sealed envelope to either Santa mailbox during business hours by December 17, 2026. This page does not submit forms online.
Is every wish guaranteed?
We will carefully match as many wishes as possible with the donations received. Gifts and specific requests are not guaranteed. There is no purchase or donation required for a family to take part.
How do you protect family information?
Family contact information stays private. A parent or guardian can choose whether a wish may be shared anonymously. Approved shared requests use Wish Codes rather than children's full names or family contact details. Please contact the organizers directly instead of posting private information in social media comments.
Should I contact you before buying a gift?
For local purchases or gifts from another website, yes—contact Brandi or Tim first so the item can be marked claimed and duplicate gifts can be avoided. You can buy directly from our Amazon Gift List without contacting us first.
Where do gifts go, and should I wrap them?
Please bring new, unwrapped gifts inside at a coordinated drop-off so we can check them in and match them to the right Wish Code. Do not leave gifts in the Santa mailboxes; those are for sealed family forms and letters. Contact us to arrange the gift drop-off and confirm timing.
When will families hear about receiving gifts?
The organizers will contact families directly about pickup or an agreed delivery between December 18 and 24, 2026. Please wait for your family's arrangements before coming to collect gifts.
Letters to Santa – DSM
Christmas feels a little brighter
when we come together.
For family forms, gift coordination, volunteer opportunities, or questions,
reach out to Brandi Kay or Tim Hartman.