Santa's Beards

Santa’s Beards is a fundraising initiative dedicated to bringing joy, comfort, and holiday cheer to children receiving care at the University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital in Baltimore. Each year, a team of volunteer “Santas” begins growing beards in August—embracing the spirit and symbolism of Santa Claus as a playful, visible reminder of generosity and community care.

From August through December, volunteers engage their networks, raise funds, and share updates on their beard-growing progress to spark conversations and inspire donations. Donations are used to purchase Christmas gifts for pediatric patients, ensuring that each child experiences a moment of joy and wonder during the holiday season, regardless of the challenges they face.

In December, volunteers and supporters come together to purchase, package, and deliver the gifts directly to the hospital. The result is a powerful expression of compassion: a community-driven effort that transforms simple acts of growth and giving into meaningful memories for children and their families.

Santa’s Beards demonstrates how creativity, commitment, and collective goodwill can brighten the lives of those who need it most—one beard, one gift, and one smile at a time.

​​

​

​​​​Email us at Info@EchoRD.org for more ways to support!