Oklahoma Human Services to bring Holiday Hope to children and families involved with the child welfare system
OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 14, 2025) -- Each year during the holiday season, Oklahoma Human Services collaborates with community organizations across the state to bring hope and joy to children and families involved in the child welfare system.
"The holiday season is a time of wonder, warmth, and joy – and every child deserves to feel its magic, no matter their circumstances,” said Michael Williams, Director of Child Welfare Services. “Through Holiday Hope, Oklahomans have an opportunity to show children in the child welfare system that they are cherished, seen, and deeply valued.”
The spirit of Holiday Hope is made possible with the support of community partners who come alongside Oklahoma Human Services to fill the wish lists of youth in foster care. Last year, our collective efforts resulted in the distribution of holiday gifts to more than 5,000 children across Oklahoma. Those interested in donating or volunteering to Holiday Hope efforts this year may browse an interactive map to find a local point of contact who can provide more information.
Support can be shown in a variety of ways, including donating funds or shopping for items on a child’s wish list. The agency has a heightened need for gift cards as they allow items to be purchased for children who may enter the child welfare system after the wish list deadline. Oklahoma Human Services is proud to partner with the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) in this important endeavor. “The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy is again honored to co-sponsor Holiday Hope with Oklahoma Human Services,” said Joe Dorman, CEO. “Our work together over the years has helped to make the holidays brighter for Oklahoma’s children in foster care. It is a joy to be a part of this effort again this year.”
Those interested in donating gift cards can click this link for a convenient way to make an impact: https://oica.app.neoncrm.com/campaigns/holidayhope
Donors who are unable to find the information they are seeking or who have questions should email HolidayHope@okdhs.org.
“We are incredibly grateful for our community partners, donors and the organizations that consistently show up for our children and families, offering hope each holiday season," said Oklahoma Human Services Director, Jeffrey Cartmell. “No donation or act of kindness is too small to make a difference in the lives of the families we serve.”
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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