The holiday season is a time for celebration, joy, and giving back! It’s the perfect time to make a difference, especially for children who may not have everything they wish for under the tree.
Programs across the country help make this magic happen, with generous people donating gifts and essentials to families in need. Want to be a part of this joyful movement? Here are 7 nationwide programs, each one dedicated to creating unforgettable holiday memories for children everywhere.
Also make sure to check with your local police or firefighter departments, charities and non-profit organizations, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Lions Clubs, rotary clubs, YMCA, schools, churches, and hospitals.
1. Salvation Army Angel Tree
The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program is a classic, providing holiday gifts to children whose families need a little extra support. With “angels” (children’s names and wish lists) available on trees across shopping centers, churches, and online, it’s easy to pick a child’s wish list and make their holiday dreams come true.
2. Toys for Tots
Run by the U.S. Marine Corps, Toys for Tots brings the excitement of new toys to kids across the country every holiday season. Each donation means a bright smile on Christmas morning, creating joyful memories for years to come.
Connect with your local Toys for Tots Chapter here.
3. Operation Christmas Child
Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child is a unique way to give back. You can fill a shoebox with gifts, toys, and essential items, which are then sent around the globe, spreading holiday cheer to children in need worldwide.
National Collection Week is November 18–25, 2024. You can find drop-off locations across the country here.
4. Make-A-Wish Foundation Holiday Gift Program
While Make-A-Wish focuses on fulfilling big wishes for children facing serious illnesses, the organization also brings extra holiday cheer by working with donors to grant holiday wishes. Your contribution can bring an extra sparkle to the season for kids who could use a little magic.
5. United Way’s Adopt-a-Family
Many United Way chapters offer Adopt-a-Family programs, where you can make the season special for an entire family by providing gifts, clothing, and holiday meals. This program is a wonderful way to make Christmas feel festive and bright for everyone involved.
Find your local United Way chapter here.
6. Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Christmas
Angel Tree Christmas, a program by Prison Fellowship, helps incarcerated parents stay connected with their children by providing them with Christmas gifts and a personal message. Through local churches and volunteers, each child receives a gift on behalf of their parent, along with an inspiring message of love and hope.
7. USPS Operation Santa
The USPS Operation Santa lets you be Santa himself! Children write letters to Santa, and people from across the country “adopt” letters, sending gifts to fulfill these holiday wishes. It’s an incredible way to directly answer a child’s Christmas wish.
This holiday season, let’s come together to make the season brighter for children everywhere. Every gift you give is a reminder that kindness, joy, and love are at the heart of the holidays. Join in, spread the joy, and let’s make this Christmas one to remember for all! 🎄
Gift Ideas
Building and Creativity Toys
Perfect for kids who love hands-on projects, building sets and art kits encourage problem-solving, focus, and imagination. These gifts allow children to bring their creative ideas to life, offering hours of engagement and a sense of accomplishment as they see their projects take shape.
Stuffed Toys and Plushies
Soft, cuddly, and comforting, plush toys are classic holiday gifts that provide companionship and warmth. Many modern plush toys offer added features, such as soothing scents or heating options, making them ideal for cozying up on chilly nights. These toys add a little extra magic and comfort to the holiday season.
Electronics and Gadgets
For tech enthusiasts, electronics make exciting, interactive gifts that combine play with creativity. From gaming consoles to kid-friendly cameras, gadgets encourage kids to explore digital worlds, capture memories, and engage in new forms of play. These gifts blend modern technology with fun, providing endless possibilities.
Educational and Science Kits
Educational toys and science kits make learning hands-on and fun, perfect for children who love exploring and experimenting. Kids can engage with subjects like chemistry, biology, and physics through interactive kits that encourage curiosity and critical thinking. These gifts provide an enriching way to learn and inspire a love for science and discovery.
Games and Activity Toys
Games are fantastic for family bonding and social play, offering everything from indoor board games to active outdoor toys. They promote teamwork, laughter, and friendly competition, helping kids develop social skills and stay active. These games create wonderful memories that extend far beyond the holiday season.
Books
Books open the door to new worlds, ideas, and adventures, making them treasured gifts for young readers. Whether it’s a story that sparks the imagination, a nonfiction book that teaches about the world, or an interactive book filled with activities, reading encourages children to think creatively, expand their knowledge, and build a lifelong love for learning. Books are a timeless gift that kids can enjoy again and again, making them a truly meaningful holiday present.
Add an extra-special touch to your gift with a My Friends and I friendship book, signed by you and your family. This thoughtful gesture lets the sponsored child know they have friends who care about them. Or leave it blank if it's a gift from Santa.
A picture box allows them to insert a photograph or to draw a picture of their own.
The book is a wonderful way for kids to get to know the special people around them — friends, classmates, teachers, and even strangers — while building a cherished keepsake of their childhood memories.
Photo by Marina Abrosimova on Unsplash
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