PRESS RELEASE: OKDHS seeks communities help to bring Holiday Hope to families in the child welfare system


The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) sends this information as posted below:


OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 19, 2024) — Each year, Oklahoma Human Services collaborates with a host of community organizations across the state to bring hope and a happy holiday season to 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.

“Children in the foster care system sometimes wonder if Santa will be able to find them,” said Tricia Howell, Director of Child Welfare Services. “Holiday Hope represents the dreams and wishes of Oklahoma’s children being heard and realized, and the community’s resolution to support their neighbors in even bigger ways in the new year. We are grateful for the many ways Oklahomans step forward to support children in foster care and their families.”

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 – through shopping for gifts on a child’s wish list, donating money/funds for gifts, or donating gift cards for the children who request them. Donors who are unable to find the information they are seeking or who have questions should email HolidayHope@okdhs.org.

The magic of Holiday Hope would not be possible without the support of community partners who come alongside Oklahoma Human Services and foster families across the state. If your organization would like to participate in Holiday Hope please email HolidayHope@okdhs.org.

“We are incredibly grateful for our coordinating community partners, donors and organizations who 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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