About The Mission

Gift-giving to a child at Christmas time has been a tradition since the 1800s.  In modern times, children still make a list to Santa Claus hoping to receive a special gift on Christmas day, but sometimes that gift is delivered by a loving person like a Granny Claus.

The “Granny Claus” mission is the brain child of Cheryl Baker Wossenu, an endeavor of 40 years that finally materialized about 1990. The Granny Claus mission filed for 501(c)3 status just last year, but for over 20 years, Cheryl has given scholarships, cars, trucks, limos, monies, free housing, clothing, food, and countless toys.

Since COVID-19 , the team has been looking into innovative ways to carry out the Granny Claus mission and impact throughout the year. The organization wants to collaborate with and find ways to support more youth programs, schools, individuals and team up with community sponsors who are interested in helping kids, too!

About Cheryl

Cheryl Wossenu is a product of the Los Angeles Unified School District having graduated from Fremont High School Class of 1966, Los Angeles Trade Technical College and California State College at Los Angeles.

Cheryl worked as a Teacher-Aide in the Aphasia Program for the County of Los Angeles before she became an Operating Engineer for Safeway Distribution Center in Santa Fe Springs Ca.

Fact + Life Events

She was a member of the Brotherhood of Operating Engineers Union 501.

Cheryl became a Real Estate agent with Century 21. She decided to start her own Real Estate Investment Company…Cheryl Baker Properties started in 1979, now known as Baker Properties.

Simultaneously, Cheryl was also an original BBW… Big Beautiful Woman large size fashion model and print cover girl while running the “New You” dress shop on Crenshaw Blvd in Los Angeles, developing the positive image by encouraging the “Total Woman Concept”, not just exterior but the interior as well!

Cheryl has been a philanthropist, community activist and mentor. She has been an example, and has created environments that help unemployed, underemployed and job training for young men and women looking for upper mobility.

Cheryl was married for 29 years to Mr. Daniel Wossenu deceased.

She is the mother of 2 children: Angelia and Michael Baker.

She is also the grandmother of 3 children. Michael Allen, Mohammed and DeZhane Baker.

Domestically, her philanthropy includes giving to those affected by major disasters as Hurricane Katrina, The Southern Poverty Law Center, The Vietnam Veterans of America, The Jackie Pasley Sunshine Club and her own Granny Claus nonprofit organization.

Internationally, Cheryl diligently contributes to Doctors Without Borders specifically designated for the Wars in Sudan and Ethiopia.