In the spirit of the holiday season, Cuyahoga County's Department of Health and Human Services is calling on residents to lend a helping hand and spread joy to those in need. Through their annual Holiday Giving Program, the county is seeking donations of gifts or monetary contributions to support children in foster care, families caring for children in custody, and older adults who may not have loved ones to celebrate the holidays with.

Bringing Smiles to Faces This Holiday Season

Hope for the Holidays: Bringing Joy to Children and Teens in Foster Care

The Hope for the Holidays program is designed to provide gifts for children and teens in the county's foster care system. Residents can participate by purchasing new gifts from the county's Amazon or Target wish lists, or by donating toys, games, or books of their choosing. To schedule a gift drop-off, individuals can email DCFSOutreach@jfs.ohio.gov or call 216-881-4150. Alternatively, residents can write a check payable to DCFS Hope for the Holidays and mail it to the Cuyahoga County Health and Human Services' Outreach Department. The deadline for donations is December 6th, ensuring that these children and teens can experience the magic of the holidays.

Adopt-A-Family: Providing for Kinship Families in Need

Through the Adopt-A-Family program, residents can "adopt" one of the DCFS kinship families who are caring for a child in county custody while their parents work towards reunification. The program recommends a minimum spending of $75 per child and $75 on gifts for the entire family to enjoy. Interested participants must complete an Adopt-A-Family application to be matched with a family in need. Once matched, they can purchase, wrap, and label the gifts, and then drop them off to the DCFS office.

Elves for Elders: Bringing Cheer to Older Adults in the Community

The Elves for Elders program aims to bring joy and gifts to older adults in the community who may not have family or loved ones to celebrate the holidays with. Residents can email Daphne James at Daphne.Kelker@jfs.ohio.gov to learn about the specific items that can be purchased for seniors in need. These gifts should be placed in gift bags, not wrapped, and then dropped off at the Division of Senior and Adult Services office. The deadline for Elves for Elders donations is also December 6th.

Fostering a Spirit of Generosity and Compassion

The Holiday Giving Program is a testament to Cuyahoga County's commitment to supporting its most vulnerable residents during the holiday season. By providing opportunities for residents to donate gifts or funds, the county is ensuring that children, families, and older adults who may be facing difficult circumstances can still experience the warmth and joy of the holidays. Through these initiatives, the county is not only meeting the practical needs of those in need but also fostering a spirit of generosity and compassion within the community.

A Call to Action: Answering the Needs of Our Community

As the holiday season approaches, the Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human Services is urging residents to answer the call and make a difference in the lives of those in need. Whether it's through the Hope for the Holidays, Adopt-A-Family, or Elves for Elders programs, every contribution, no matter how small, can bring joy and hope to those who might otherwise be forgotten. By coming together as a community and sharing the spirit of the season, we can ensure that no one is left behind during this special time of year.