Our Mission
Our mission is to provide much needed emotional support to families that have experienced the unexpected loss of a beloved family member. This support comes through the magical, anonymous delivery of special gifts during the Christmas season. The goal is to remind surviving family members that they are loved by their community and have not been forgotten during an incredibly difficult time.
Our Story
Christmas Commandos was established in Granger, Indiana in 1998 in the basement of the Chief Commandos’ home. After her heart was forever changed by her daughter’s pediatric cancer diagnosis, our Founder desired to bring comfort and love to those grieving an out of order loss in their family. That first Christmas we delivered holiday joy to 5 families, shopping, wrapping, tagging and delivering with love. From there, our mission and impact continued to grow - first to the Indianapolis area and then, in 2018, to Denver, Colorado. Now the Christmas Commandos have lovingly delivered our mission to over 5,000 families across the country - to grieving families in Indiana, Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, South Carolina and Virginia. Just as grief knows no bounds, neither does the magic of the Christmas Commandos.
What We Do
We learn of recipient families through local news stories, word of mouth and heartfelt nominations. Sworn to secrecy and anonymity, a contact for the recipient family provides insight into each family member, including their hobbies, passions, and needs. With the help of volunteers, the Commandos prepare during the year, shopping, wrapping, planning, and organizing for the delivery night.
The delivery of our magic occurs the week of Christmas, as the Commandos Elves caravan carefully and quietly to each family’s home leaving large boxes filled with gifts on their doorstep, as well as a very special angel to represent their loss. We cover the yard with garland, tinsel and ornaments in hopes that when the family awakes, they will see the decorations, come outside and stumble upon all that awaits them, creating a magical morning.
The anonymity of Christmas Commandos’ mission is what makes the magic real. No recognition or “thank you” desired, simply delivering our recipients a glimmer of love amidst their grief. Some past recipient families have tracked down the Commandos Elves over the years with a desire to give families the gift they received, paying forward the love of the community.