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, they donated the funds to the
Children's Aid Society, the organization's first beneficiary, to help
needy youngsters throughout the following year.  Over the years,
the number of recipients has grown;  in 2010, 41 metro St. Louis
area children's agencies benefitted from the carolers' collections.
Founder William H. Danforth died in his home on Kingsbury
Place in St. Louis on Christmas Eve, 1955.  Legend has it he was
waiting for carolers to serenade him that evening.
The Danforth Family continues to provide leadership for this
wonderful organization as it begins its second century.  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 2011, the St. Louis Christmas Carols Association
tradition is continued by a volunteer network of
neighborhood "Area Chairs" in St. Louis City,
St. Louis, St. Charles, and Jefferson Counties,
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 staffed by part time
employees who recruit Area Chairs, schedule Special
Sings, provide supplies and support through 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
The mission of the
St. Louis Christmas Carols Association
is to bring joy and good will to St. Louis neighborhoods
through the tradition of 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
Celebrating a Century of Caroling
1911-2011
Click on the picture above to
hear an interview with our
founder, William Danforth,  
recorded December 9, 1955.
caroling with
St. Louis
Mayor Joseph
M. Darst and
the choir from
Rosati Kain
Mr. Danforth
High School,
circa 1950.