Oklahoma Human Services asks the community to bring Holiday Hope to children in state custody and their families
OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 20, 2022) -- Each year, Oklahoma Human Services collaborates with a host of community organizations across the state to bring hope and a happy holiday season for children and families involved with the child welfare system. The holidays are a special time full of wonder and joy, and it’s important that children feel the magic of the season no matter their circumstances. For that reason, Oklahoma Human Services and our partners ask that interested individuals request a wish list or offer other support to provide Holiday Hope for children and families in their communities.
"The holidays are a time when we all naturally reflect on what is really important to us,” said Dr. Deborah Shropshire, OKDHS Child Welfare Director. “Stronger communities and families are so incredibly important to all of us, and an easy way to make a big impact is just to show someone you care. For children and families involved with the child welfare system, this caring and support can create a tipping point toward brighter futures and happy, healthy outcomes.”
Oklahomans interested in donating or volunteering to Holiday Hope efforts this year may browse an interactive map to find opportunities in their home county or anywhere in the state. Support can be shown in many ways - shop for gifts on a child’s wish list, donate money/funds for gifts, or donate gift cards for children or youth who request them.
"Each year we are blown away by the outpouring of support toward our Fostering Joy program,” said Christina Siemens, Executive Director of Fostering Connections. “Our communities step up to provide gifts to the children we serve without hesitation. Gifting a child who has experienced traumatizing events with presents from their own wish list is incredibly meaningful and important to a child who is celebrating the holidays in a place other than their natural home. Our goal is to help the child maintain a sense of normalcy during their time in the foster care system, and providing them with their own gifts from their own wish list helps spark a little joy in their hearts this holiday season."
Upon clicking the county of interest, a pop up will connect the donor to their local community organization or coordinator. Donors who are unable to find the information they are seeking or who want other assistance should email HolidayHope@okdhs.org.
“Filling holiday wish lists for children living in foster care is an important component of CCC’s mission,” said Lynne Roller, Executive Director of Citizens Caring for Children (CCC). “Whether you support Joy4Kids by filling a wish list, making a cash donation, or shopping our Amazon wish list, you help make the holidays brighter for children in foster care and the families who care for them.”
The Holiday Hope program represents an opportunity for Oklahomans to ensure children involved with the child welfare system have their hopes and dreams heard and realized.
“Fostering Futures, formerly Citizens Advisory Board of Cleveland County (CAB) is gearing up to fulfill 1,000 holiday wish lists for children in Cleveland and Pottawatomie County,” said Sue Durrett, Executive Director and co-founder of Fostering Futures. “This program is not only about Christmas presents--it provides children the chance to dream, wish and to be heard! We are calling all community elves to create this magic!”
The magic of Holiday Hope would not be possible without the tireless work and support of community partners who come alongside Oklahoma Human Services and biological and foster families across the state.
“We are incredibly grateful for the efforts of our coordinating community partners, donors and organizations who continue to generously support our children and families and offer hope during the holiday season," continued Shropshire. “If you’ve ever wanted to get involved with foster care, we encourage you to start today and find a place where you can lend your talents. We’ll help you every step of the way.”
Oklahoma’s children and families need support all year long, and Oklahoma Human Services needs more families to step forward to foster local children in state custody, particularly those in large sibling groups, teens and children with behavioral health needs. Families interested in learning more about foster care or applying to become a certified foster family may visit okfosters.org or call 1-800-376-9729.
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Editor’s note: A full-resolution Holiday Hope graphic is attached for use. For information on the coverage areas for each partner listed below, please visit our interactive map.
Citizens Caring for Children serves the needs of Oklahoma children living in foster care, the most vulnerable children in the state, by providing clothing, personal hygiene items, resources and continued support focused on education to build a brighter tomorrow. To learn more about their Joy4Kids program, visit https://www.cccokc.org/.
The mission of Fostering Connections is to improve the lives of children and youth in Oklahoma's child welfare system by providing resources and building community. To learn more about their Fostering Joy program, please visit https://www.fosteringconnectionsok.org/.
Fostering Futures formerly Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) is a non-profit organization who serves Cleveland county children and families impacted by child welfare throughout the year. To learn more about their Secret Santa program, visit https://cabok.org/.
Oklahoma Human Services is on a mission to promote the safety, independence and wellbeing of all Oklahomans. To learn more or apply for services, visit https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs.html.
