Holiday Cheer matches children and seniors with sponsors from the community who deliver meals, gifts and other supports at the most meaningful times of year. Several special Christmas events around the county are scheduled for sponsors to meet with and deliver gifts to the families with whom they were matched. These are fun, activity-filled events for families to meet and feel the mutual cheer of holiday giving.
The Holiday Cheer program is referral based. To be considered for sponsorship, individuals and/or families must be referred by one of the program areas listed below:
- Wake County Public Schools
- Social Workers
- School Nurse
- Public Health and Social Services
- Adult Services
- Maternal Health
- Public Health Clinics
- Work First
2025 Holiday Cheer
ATTN: FAMILIES
Our sign-up for family referrals is now closed. Thank you to the social workers who submitted applications. Holiday Cheer events are by INVITATION ONLY from the Consumer Experience Management Team. Below is the list of the events for 2025:
- Thursday, December 4th: Marbles Kids Museum 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, December 9th: Northern Regional Center 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Friday, December 12th: Eastern Regional Center 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Program Overview
I want to sponsor a family
Individuals, families, faith groups, service organizations, and businesses can all participate in sponsoring one or more families in need.
Choose the event from the list that works best for you, and we will match you with a family who selected the same event. Once matched, you will receive family information and a gift list. Family information includes the child's gender, age, sizing information, and gift requests. Families can range in size from one adult to families with 10 children, and sponsors report spending an average of about $75 per person.
Some sponsors host their own gift exchange events at offices or churches. Choose 'other' on the sponsor sign-up form and then contact us directly to confirm the location, date, and time.
Children and seniors are our priority, but you may purchase gifts for other family members if your budget allows. We always seek sponsors for Adult Protective Services and Adult Guardianship clients (adults 18+ with cognitive disabilities and no family support).
If you are attending a gift exchange event, please ensure each gift is wrapped or placed in a gift bag and include the family's name.
I want to volunteer with Holiday Cheer
Volunteer opportunities are only open to active Wake County employees. Employees are welcome to volunteer for events once the sign-up opens in September.
I want to donate to Holiday Cheer
We gratefully accept tax-deductible financial contributions that will be turned into practical items for families.
Financial contributions can be made online or mailed in.
Checks and other mailable gifts can be sent to:
Holiday Cheer Project
c/o Wake County Health & Human Services
4401 Bland Road
MD-110
Raleigh, NC 27609
Additional Resources for families
Pride for Parents
Pride for Parents is an annual donated toy and gift sale designed to benefit hard-working families during the holidays. The sale offers quality merchandise to families at deeply discounted prices.
Salvation Army Angel Tree
The Salvation Army Angel Tree provides Christmas presents to families in financial need with children up to 12 years old.
NC 211 Community Database
Families who are not chosen to participate in Holiday Cheer can seek assistance through the NC 211 Community Database.
Contact Us
Holiday Cheer
Call: 919-212-7083
Email: holiday.cheer@wake.gov
Mail:
Holiday Cheer
Wake County Health & Human Services
4401 Bland Road
MD-110
Raleigh, NC 27609