For the 20th year, A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS will bring backpacks filled with books, toys, and health/wellness items to more than 2,700 elementary school children in 5 Title I schools in Duval County. On Discovery Day, children walk into a magical experience with tinsel-decorated walls, book readings, and their very own backpack on their desks before a visit from a real-life St. Nicholas, dressed in the traditional green, gold, and white. Each classroom poses for photos that culminate with a shower of silly string.

Studies show poverty negatively affects school performance. Youth in poverty are more likely to suffer from food insecurity, which also means slower language development. Often these students have very little access to books at home. A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS is a signature literacy program that promotes the value of literacy, academic achievement, and the importance of giving through a surprise visit to Title I schools in the spirit of the holiday season.

This year's Visit from St. Nicholas is made possible by the generous sponsorship of many corporate partners:

Regency Centers, Medtronic, Fidelity Investments, GE Unison, Ja-Ru Toys, FedEx and Swisher International.

If your company would like to become involved with A Visit From St. Nicholas, please contact Erica La Spada .