The St. Louis Christmas Carols Association has brought joy to the world through a century of singing.

Now celebrating its 100th year, the organization continues to spread holiday cheer and raise funds for children's charities.

Headquartered at 7425 Forsyth Blvd. in Clayton, the nonprofit association got going in 1911 when William H. Danforth, founder of Ralston-Purina, and a group of friends decided to carol outside their Kingsbury Place homes in St. Louis.

"Initially, Mr. Danforth and his neighbors did not plan to collect money, but found that listeners gave money when they sang," said Joan Koontz, executive director. "They donated the funds to the Children's Aid Society, the organization's first beneficiary, to help needy youngsters throughout the following year."

Today, carolers sing in neighborhoods and other venues, accepting contributions from listeners. Donations benefit various area agencies serving children.

The association provides everything groups need to carol — song sheets, collection cans, door hangers notifying people that singers will be coming by, and helpful ideas. Over the years, the number of members has grown.

"Last year, we had more than 400 groups that went to carol throughout the metro St. Louis region, with a few groups in Illinois and St. Charles and Jefferson Counties," said Koontz, who lives in West County near Ballwin.

The association has a small staff, but relies on about 55 volunteers.

In 2010, 41 metro St. Louis area children's agencies benefitted from the carolers' collections, Koontz said.

"Our total collection was in the $50,000 range last year, and, over our 100-year history, some $2.75 million in listeners' donations have funded a wide variety of agencies," she said.

To honor the group's 100th year, two new carols have been written. "The Carol of the Holy Child," was written in traditional style by composer Stephen Mager of the Creve Coeur area. The association commissioned him to write the song and premiered it to the public at the tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 18 downtown.

The other tune, "Caroling in St. Louis," was written by Randy Mayfield, of Ballwin, a singer/songwriter who volunteered to create it. He recorded it with the association's Kingsbury Place Singers, a Victorian-costumed carolers group.

Both carols are on You Tube, and there's a link from the 100th anniversary page at www.stlchristmascarols.org.

Also this year, the group discovered in the files of the Danforth Foundation a radio interview with founder William Danforth recorded Dec. 9, 1955, a couple of weeks before he passed away on Christmas Eve. There's a link on the group's website to the interview.

In honor of the centennial, a holiday card is available featuring the work of local artist Linda Solovic. Sold in packages of 10 for $10, cards may be ordered by calling (314) 863-1225 or going online. Proceeds will aid in funding the group's operations.