Holiday Cheer matches children and seniors with sponsors from the community who deliver meals, gifts and other supports at the most meaningful times of year. Several special Christmas events around the county are scheduled for sponsors to meet with and deliver gifts to the families with whom they were matched. These are fun, activity-filled events for families to meet and feel the mutual cheer of holiday giving.
The Holiday Cheer program is referral based. To be considered for sponsorship, individuals and/or families must be referred by one of the program areas listed below:
- Wake County Public Schools
- Social Workers
- School Nurse
- Health and Human Services
- Adult Services
- Maternal Health
- Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
- Program Social Workers
- Public Health Clinics
2024 Events
These events are by invitation ONLY. You must have your email confirmation letter to attend. Please only attend your scheduled event if you have been matched as a sponsor or as an individual or family who will receive a gift. The schedule for our 2024 events is as follows:
- Thursday, Dec. 5: Marbles Children’s Museum, 5–7 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 10: Northern Regional Center, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 13: Lenovo Headquarters, 4–7 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 19: Eastern Regional Center, 3–6 p.m.
Thank you to the social workers and sponsors who submitted a form to participate in our Holiday Cheer program. Our sign up for 2024 is closed. Families and social workers shall expect to receive an email confirmation of which event to attend for their gift exchange.
Program Overview
I want to sponsor a family for Christmas
Individuals, families, faith groups, service organizations and businesses can all participate in sponsoring one or more families in need.
Once your sponsorship application is received, you will be matched with a family who most closely resembles your giving preferences.
Choose an event from the list that works best for you, and we will match you with a family who selected the same event. Once matched, you will receive family information and a gift list. There is a suggested $75/person limit.
**Special cases**: Some sponsors host their own gift events at offices, churches or shopping centers. Choose 'other' on the sponsor sign-up form and then reach out to us directly to confirm the location.
Consider your budget. Families can range in size from one adult to families with 10 children, and sponsors report spending an average of about $75 per person.
Children and seniors are our main priority, but you may also purchase gifts for other family members, if your budget allows. We always seek sponsors for Adult Protective Services and Adult Guardianship clients (adults 18+ with cognitive disabilities and no family support).
I want to volunteer with Holiday Cheer
Please sign-up for days you are available to help. We ask that you please not sign-up for a day you plan to meet your family. Also, in order to keep all parties safe, we will need to have background checks done. Once you submit your volunteer request, we will send you a link for the background check. *Volunteers must be 16+.
I want to donate to Holiday Cheer
We gratefully accept tax-deductible financial contributions that will be turned into practical items for needy families, such as gift cards for gas, groceries and household items.
We also accept gift cards for stores such as Food Lion, Wal-Mart, Target and gas stations.
Financial contributions can be made online or mailed in.
Checks and other mailable gifts can be sent to:
Holiday Cheer Project
c/o Wake County Health & Human Services
4401 Bland Road
MD-110
Raleigh, NC 27609
Additional Resources for families
Pride for Parents
Pride for Parents is an annual donated toy and gift sale designed to benefit hard-working families during the holidays. The sale offers quality merchandise to families at deeply discounted prices.
Salvation Army Angel Tree
The Salvation Army Angel Tree provides Christmas presents to families in financial need with children up to 12 years old.
NC 211 Community Database
Families who are not chosen to participate in Holiday Cheer can seek assistance through the NC 211 Community Database.
Contact Us
Holiday Cheer
Call: 919-212-7083
Email: holiday.cheer@wake.gov
Mail:
Holiday Cheer
Wake County Health & Human Services
4401 Bland Road
MD-110
Raleigh, NC 27609