NEWPORT NEWS — With Christmas only six months away, Santa is usually busy gearing up for his December trek, but in Hampton Roads, Santa stays busy all year long at Claus Cares.
What originally started as a Santa photoshoot in 2019 has now grown into Claus Cares. The organization, started by Coast Guard veteran Scott Sprowl, operates out of Newport News but serves Southside and Peninsula residents in need.
“I started with backpacks for the homeless. A blanket, toiletries, gloves, pair of socks, nothing major but enough to get them through. The first couple of years, I made about 400 backpacks. People started hearing about it and then I started getting donations,” Sprowl said.
After a few years of success, Sprowl expanded to a rented office location at Grace United Methodist Church in Newport News. The organization now houses a small food pantry, a closet full of donated clothes for all ages, a pet pantry, toys, housewares, small electronics and more.
“This world needs more of people helping people. There’s a lot of things going around, especially in our country. Are you liberal or are you conservative? Are you a Republican or Democrat? Why do we have to be anything? Why can’t we just be human beings? Why can’t we just help other human beings? That’s where my heart sits with all of this stuff. I just want to be a human helping another human,” Sprowl said.
In 2021, the organization became an official nonprofit.
The organization does not discriminate or require financial limitations to receive help.
“We don’t judge anybody for any situation. We don’t care if you were the CEO of something and you lost your job. If you need something, come and get it,” Sprowl said.
Between working a part-time job and being retired from the Coast Guard, Sprowl operates the store by appointment only. He is now on the hunt for funding so the location can operate all the time.
“Over five years, we’ve qualified for about $6,000 in grants. I’d love to find the funding so that I could actually pursue this fully,” Sprowl explained.
Sprowl is also currently in need of volunteers to help him inventory his donations.
“It’s all just me doing it so if people could volunteer to help out, that would help immensely. The other thing too is just donate. To me, it doesn’t have to even be donated to us. Help the community with whoever your local place is. We’re all out here to create compassion, not competition,” Sprowl said.
Sprowl and his elves will be taking donations of school supplies in support of a Christmas in July initiative. Donations can be dropped off at Grace United Methodist Church in Newport News or pickup can be arranged by calling Sprowl.
To help or to learn more about Claus Cares, visit clauscares.org.