Children’s Home Asks for Help Fulfilling Holiday Wish Lists

While this year has been filled with disruption and chaos for all of us, Children’s Home wants to ensure the young people they serve don’t miss out on feeling special during the upcoming holidays.

This month they kick off their Holiday Wish List campaign, which allows people to purchase pre-packaged $50 gift baskets that will be delivered to the children, young adults and families the agency serves each month. Each basket has a different theme and targets a different age group, ranging from infant to young adult, and purchasers can select which ones to buy. The baskets were designed based on some of the most commonly requested items from clients.

“Concerns with COVID had our team brainstorming on alternative means of still delivering wish lists to our kids,” says Children’s Home CEO Matt George. “I love that this is a safe, contactless way of matching donors to individualized gifts for a child that might not otherwise have anything to open.”

This year’s adapted gift drive is backed by support from local vendors including So Chic Boutique, The School House Express, and Lori’s Kitchen Store. These businesses generously donated their time and expertise to help coordinate and assemble the baskets.

Individuals, families, businesses, or other groups can purchase Wish Lists by visiting www.chail.org   There is no limit on number of baskets purchased. Children’s Home is hoping to fulfill more than 1,200 Wish Lists by its target date of November 30 so that gifts can be delivered to kids and families before the holidays. Questions about the program can be directed to [email protected] or 309-687-7215.

“I’m consistently amazed at the generosity of this community,” remarks George. “Whenever there’s a need, we rise to meet it… and this year we need our community more than ever. We are grateful for any gift folks are able to give a child this year.”