Tate's Bake Shop Donates 'Cookies From Santa'

Santa isn't the only one getting freshly baked cookies this Christmas. Tate's Bake Shop, beloved for its chocolate chip cookies, is spreading holiday cheer by donating more than 12,000 chocolate chip cookies to families and children in need as part of its "Cookies From Santa" initiative, according to a press release.

Tate's teamed up with the Food Bank for New York City, San Francisco and Marin Food Banks, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and Feeding South Florida, donating cookies and nutritious meals to individuals in need through various afterschool programs, backpack programs, and food pantries. In addition to the tasty treats, Tate's will help supply 17,000 nutritious meals to individuals supported by the food banks through monetary donations.

Tate's owner Kathleen King and Santa Claus kicked off the initiative yesterday by surprising children of the Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center in New York City, a partner of the Food Bank for New York City, with chocolate chip cookies and milk. The center hosts an afterschool program for 5- to 11-year-old children. The cookies were recieved with big smiles and hugs to Santa and King. 

"For me, the holidays are all about sharing and creating joy in people's hearts," says King. "We hope that by donating our cookies and helping to provide meals, we can bring joy to families in need. It's our way of wishing everyone a very happy holiday."

Haley WIllard is The Daily Meal's assistant editor. Follow her on Twitter @haleywillrd.