Holiday Project

With long-standing community support, the Department of Human Services (DHS) Holiday Project provides meaningful holiday gifts to children in families receiving DHS services related to child maltreatment and homelessness. Recipients of these gifts range from newborns to young adults. In every case, gifts from the Holiday Project provide an invaluable sense of normalcy for children and youth whose lives are shaped by daily challenges.

How to Participate in the Holiday Project

Sponsors (individuals and groups) are given the wish list(s) of an individual child, sibling groups or as many children as desired to make shopping easier and more personal. Though it remains anonymous, many people prefer this option since they have the satisfaction of knowing they purchased a “wished-for” gift.

Donors are invited to provide either new gifts or monetary donations that replenish the DHS Holiday Project Workshop where volunteers select an ideal gift for each non-sponsored child. Monetary donations are used to increase the pool of culturally diverse gifts as well as those in much-needed age ranges such as infants and teens.

Donors are encouraged to consider hosting an event to gather gifts for holiday giving. While we promote the collection of sports equipment, art supplies, winter accessories and board games, donors are also encouraged to be creative and design a drive that matches the interests of their workplace, faith-based organization, club or other group.

If you have any questions about the Holiday Project or are interested in sponsoring a child, please contact donations@alleghenycounty.us