StLCCA Today
The St. Louis Christmas Carols Association began in 1911, when
William H. Danforth and a group of friends decided to bring joy and
good will to their neighbors by caroling outside their homes.
Initially, they did not plan to collect money, but found that listeners
gave money when they sang. Being successful businessmen, and
philanthropic by nature, the funds collected during their caroling in
December were used to help needy youngsters throughout the
following year. The Children's Aid Society in St. Louis was the first
organization to benefit. Over the years, the recipients were
expanded to include over 45 metro St. Louis area children's
agencies in 2008.
Founder William H. Danforth died in his home on Kingsbury Place
in St. Louis on Christmas Eve, 1955. Legend has it that he was
waiting for carolers to serenade him that evening.
The Danforth Family continues to play a key role in this wonderful
organization. Following William Danforth's death in 1955, his son,
Donald Danforth, led the association for a time. Then his grandson,
Dr. William H. Danforth, served first as president and then chairman
of the board. Dr. Danforth became chairman emeritus in 2004 as
his nephew, Donald Danforth III, took over as chairman of the
board. Don Danforth is the great grandson of the founder.
William H. Danforth and a group of friends decided to bring joy and
good will to their neighbors by caroling outside their homes.
Initially, they did not plan to collect money, but found that listeners
gave money when they sang. Being successful businessmen, and
philanthropic by nature, the funds collected during their caroling in
December were used to help needy youngsters throughout the
following year. The Children's Aid Society in St. Louis was the first
organization to benefit. Over the years, the recipients were
expanded to include over 45 metro St. Louis area children's
agencies in 2008.
Founder William H. Danforth died in his home on Kingsbury Place
in St. Louis on Christmas Eve, 1955. Legend has it that he was
waiting for carolers to serenade him that evening.
The Danforth Family continues to play a key role in this wonderful
organization. Following William Danforth's death in 1955, his son,
Donald Danforth, led the association for a time. Then his grandson,
Dr. William H. Danforth, served first as president and then chairman
of the board. Dr. Danforth became chairman emeritus in 2004 as
his nephew, Donald Danforth III, took over as chairman of the
board. Don Danforth is the great grandson of the founder.
| Our Mission |
| In 2009, the St. Louis Christmas Carols Association tradition is continued by a volunteer network of neighborhood "Area Chairs" in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, and the Metro East area of Illinois, caroling group leaders and the carolers themselves. The Area Chairs recruit caroling groups in their area and serve as a local connection between carolers and the Association. The office of the St. Louis Christmas Carols Association is centrally located in Clayton and is staffed by part time employees who recruit Area Chairs, schedule special sings, provide supplies and support throughout the caroling season, and facilitate the allocation of carolers' collections at the end of the season. |
| The Danforth family still carols every December, singing at the homes of neighboring families. It's a family tradition within the larger tradition that is the St. Louis Christmas Carols Association. |
| Caroling spreads good will and Christmas spirit during the holiday season. |
Our History
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| The mission of the St. Louis Christmas Carols Association is to bring joy and good will to metro St. Louis area neighborhoods by caroling, while supporting the work of agencies serving children with the contributions received. |
| St. Louis Christmas Carols Association - 7425 Forsyth Boulevard, Suite 353, St. Louis, MO 63105 - 314.863.1225 Email - stlcca@att.net |
| St. Louis Christmas Carols Association Caroling to Benefit Children since 1911 |
